Join, or Die: Benjamin Franklin’s Iconic 1754 Political Cartoon #1983888 (License: Personal Use)

This 1754 political cartoon, created by Benjamin Franklin for the Pennsylvania Gazette, depicts a severed snake divided into eight segments-each labeled with colonial abbreviations (S.C., N.C., V., M., P., N.J., N.Y., N.E.)-symbolizing the disunited American colonies. The slogan “JOIN, or DIE” underscores the urgent need for intercolonial cooperation against external threats, particularly during the French and Indian War. It later became a foundational emblem of revolutionary unity and is widely regarded as America’s first political cartoon.

Used in historical education, museum exhibits, and articles about early American political symbolism; matches user intent seeking primary sources on colonial unity, revolutionary iconography, or Franklin’s influence on public opinion.