Join, or Die

Political cartoon by Benjamin Franklin
10. Do you feel this is an effective Political Cartoon? Why or Why not? (1 full paragraph)

Yes, I feel that this is an effective political cartoon. Benjamin Franklin's "Join, or Die" cartoon was published in the Pennsylvania Gazette in 1754 and it is seen as one of the earliest examples of political cartoons in America. The simplicity and directness of the image makes it striking and easily understood, even for those who may not be literate. The cartoon shows a disjointed snake, representing the American colonies, with each segment representing a different colony. This visual representation effectively communicates the message that if the colonies do not unite and work together, they will fall apart and face defeat. The use of the slogan "Join, or Die" further emphasizes the urgency and the consequences of not joining forces. Overall, this cartoon's powerful message and visual simplicity make it a highly effective tool for Franklin to rally support for colonial unity during a time of growing tensions and threats from the French and Native American allies.