Visualizing Unity: The Iconic 'Join, or Die.' Cartoon by Benjamin Franklin and its Impact on Colonial America
"Join, or Die." is a significant political cartoon illustrating the discord within the American colonies.
Attributed to Benjamin Franklin, this woodcut was first published in The Pennsylvania Gazette on May 9, 1754, marking the earliest known visual representation of colonial unity created by an American colonist during the Colonial America era.
The cartoon depicts a snake divided into eight segments, each labeled with the initials of an American colony or region.
Remarkably, New England is depicted as a single segment, unlike its four separate colonies at the time, while Delaware is omitted due to its affiliation with Pennsylvania. Notably absent is Georgia, resulting in eight snake segments rather than the conventional thirteen.
Over time, "Join, or Die." became an emblem of colonial cohesion and an enduring representation of the colonial spirit in the face of adversity, continuing to resonate as a powerful symbol of unity throughout the American Revolutionary War and beyond.
The poster deliberately concentrates on colonies that identified as Americans, bypassing those excluded.
Presented alongside Franklin's editorial on the "disunited state" of the colonies, the cartoon effectively reinforces his argument for the imperative of colonial cohesion.
In subsequent years, it evolved into a symbol of colonial liberty throughout the American Revolutionary War.
This satin poster brings the artwork to life on top-tier quality 210 gsm satin paper. With a low-glare satin finish, this custom artwork can be exquisitely showcased in any indoor environment. Available in multiple sizes to best match your vision.
★ Museum-grade 210gsm satin paper: The museum-grade 210 gsm paper is known to be archival, which means it can be stored for a long time without turning yellow
★ Pigment inks: Bright and intense colors of your desired design
★ Vibrant colors: The latest printing techniques provide bright, crisp colors and sharp details
★ Low-glare finish
★ Available in multiple sizes
★ For indoor use only
★ Assembled in the USA from globally sourced parts
Hanging: Posters can be hung with double-sided tape, tacks, or framed
Care instructions: If the poster does gather any dust, you may wipe it off gently with a clean, dry cloth.
| 18″ x 12″ | 30″ x 20″ | 36″ x 24″ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width, in | 18.00 | 30.00 | 36.00 |
| Height, in | 12.00 | 20.00 | 24.00 |
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