It's important to note that America's earliest cartoons were political in nature. The first cartoon appeared in Ben Franklin's newspaper The Pennsylvania Gazette on May 9, 1754. It appeared as part of an editorial by Franklin commenting on 'the present disunited state of the British Colonies.'
The woodcut drawing entitled 'Join or Die' pictures a divided snake in eight pieces representing as many colonial governments. The drawing was based on the popular superstition that a snake that had been cut in two would come to life if the pieces were joined before sunset. The drawing immediately caught the public's fancy and was reproduced in other newspapers.
War had just broken out between France and England. Representatives from the English colonies were gathered to discuss the question: Should the colonies come together to fight against the French? Franklin’s cartoon illustrates his point of view on this issue.
- In this cartoon what does the snake stand for and how can you tell?
- Why does the snake have 8 pieces and not 13?
- What do you think Franklin’s message was?
- Why do you think this cartoon was used in the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and then ratification of the Constitution?
- Do you think his cartoon is effective? Why or why not?
- Is Franklin’s message still relevant for political life today? Support your answer.
It's important to note that America's earliest cartoons were political in nature. The first cartoon appeared in Ben Franklin's newspaper The Pennsylvania Gazette on May 9, 1754. It appeared as part of an editorial by Franklin commenting on 'the present disunited state of the British Colonies.'
The woodcut drawing entitled 'Join or Die' pictures a divided snake in eight pieces representing as many colonial governments. The drawing was based on the popular superstition that a snake that had been cut in two would come to life if the pieces were joined before sunset. The drawing immediately caught the public's fancy and was reproduced in other newspapers.
War had just broken out between France and England. Representatives from the English colonies were gathered to discuss the question: Should the colonies come together to fight against the French? Franklin’s cartoon illustrates his point of view on this issue.
- In this cartoon what does the snake stand for and how can you tell?
- Why does the snake have 8 pieces and not 13?
- What do you think Franklin’s message was?
- Why do you think this cartoon was used in the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and then ratification of the Constitution?
- Do you think his cartoon is effective? Why or why not?
- Is Franklin’s message still relevant for political life today? Support your answer.