JOIN, OR DIE: Political and Religious Controversy Over Franklin's Snake Cartoon - Journ... - 0 views
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May 9, 1754, Franklin published a political cartoon depicting a rattlesnake with the admonishing title, “JOIN, or DIE.”
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To Loyalists, the serpent represented Satan, deception, and the spiritual fall of man, proving the treachery of revolutionary thought. To Patriots however, the snake depicted wisdom, vigor, and cohesiveness, especially when the colonies united for a common purpose
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. Franklin’s cartoon was resurrected as a potent call for colonial unity against Great Britain, ultimately giving momentum to the religious controversy that would soon follow when Loyalists and Patriots began writing their opinions on what the snake symbolized.
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An article for history nerds and interested teachers who want to dig deeper into the materials they use in class. Many, many teachers use this cartoon as the basis for a full lesson or include it in the presentation of content. Teachers should read or even just skim through this article to recognize the vast depth of historical inquiry that lies beneath even the most commonplace elements of their instruction.