"Join or Die"

"Join or Die"

 

The image above was originally published in the Pennsylvania Gazette in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin. It was published during the French and Indian War. It is the best way to portray the mindset of what the colonists had to have in order to push forward and thrive. In the image the serpent is divided into eight parts, with each part representing a British American colony or region. The political cartoon was meant to depict the importance of colonial unity. During this time each colony was independant. The cartoon was recycled during the time of the American Revolution, again to stress the monumental importance of unity among the colonies if they had any hope of defeating the British along with gaining freedom. The cartoon was a symbol of democracy and freedom during the war. By 1774 the segments of the snake had grown together, and the motto had been changed to read: "United Now Alive and Free Firm on this Basis Liberty Shall Stand and Thus Supported Ever Bless Our Land Till Time Becomes Eternity" 

Photo from: http://possumblog.mu.nu/images/join_or_die.jpg