Introduction

Political Cartoons

Political cartoons may not be as light-hearted as cartoons you watch on TV, but they can make a complicated event or issue in history simple and easier to understand.

Below is the first known political cartoon in the American colonies. It was released prior to the French and Indian War. Analyze the cartoon.

The 'Join or Die' political cartoon shows a snake chopped into pieces. Each piece has an abbreviation next to it: S.C., N.C., V., M., P., N.J., N.Y., and N.E.

What do the parts of the snake represent? What do you think is the meaning of the cartoon? Read the hints and more information about the event below:

  • What do you think the abbreviations stand for? S.C., N.C., V., M., P., N.J., N.Y., and N.E.
  • Why is the cartoonist, Benjamin Franklin, trying to get the different parts to join together?
  • "Join, or Die" is a famous cartoon logo usually associated with the American Revolution. It was printed in Benjamin Franklin's Pennsylvania Gazette on May 9, 1754, to promote his Albany plan for colonial union.