Question
Here is the question : WHAT DID FRANKLIN USE TO DEPICT THE COLONIES IN HIS “JOIN OR DIE” CARTOON?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Bald eagles
- Stripes on the flag
- Daffodils
- A severed snake
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
One of the most influential depictions of early American history is Ben Franklin’s ‘Join or Die’ cartoon. He provided an illustration of a snake that had been cut into eight sections, each of which represented a separate colony. His slogan “Join or Die” galvanized colonists from north to south and ultimately helped the founding father achieve his goal of national unity.
In 1754, Benjamin Franklin published a political cartoon titled “Join, or Die” in the Pennsylvania Gazette. The image depicts a snake cut into eight pieces, with each segment representing one of the British colonies in North America. The symbolism behind the cartoon has become an enduring part of American history, and it continues to be studied and analyzed by scholars and historians today.
The use of a snake in the cartoon was a deliberate choice by Franklin. In colonial America, the snake was a common symbol of the colonies, appearing on flags, coins, and other official documents. The snake was also associated with the idea of regeneration, as it was believed to be able to shed its skin and emerge renewed. By using a snake in his cartoon, Franklin was tapping into these existing associations and creating a powerful visual metaphor for his message.
The snake in the cartoon is depicted as severed into eight pieces, with each segment representing one of the colonies. The message is clear: unless the colonies can come together and unite, they will be divided and conquered by the British. This was an urgent message at the time, as tensions between the colonies and the British government were high.
Franklin’s cartoon was an early example of political propaganda, using visual imagery to convey a message and rally support for a cause. It was widely circulated in newspapers and pamphlets throughout the colonies, and it helped to galvanize support for the idea of colonial unity.
The message of “Join, or Die” has continued to resonate throughoutAmerican history. During the Revolutionary War, the image of the snake was often used as a symbol of resistance against British rule. The phrase “Join, or Die” also became a rallying cry for the Continental Army, symbolizing the need for unity and cooperation in the fight for independence.
Franklin’s cartoon is also notable for its artistic style. The image of the snake is simple and striking, with bold lines and clear shapes. The use of black and white enhances the dramatic effect of the image, emphasizing the stark contrast between the severed pieces of the snake and the empty spaces between them.
the “Join, or Die” cartoon is a powerful example of political propaganda and a testament to the enduring power of visual imagery. By using a simple but effective symbol, Franklin was able to convey a complex message and inspire unity among the colonies. Today, the cartoon remains an iconic image in American history, a reminder of the importance of cooperation and collaboration in the face of adversity.