Question

The Meaning of a Political Cartoon
A political cartoon showing a snake in pieces labeled S C, N C, V, M, P, N J, N Y, N E. The words Join, or Die are across the bottom.

Franklin uses the metaphor of the snake cut into pieces to illustrate the colonies’ need to

unite despite different identities and interests.
make independent decisions about their futures.
separate to become more powerful.
stay loyal to the British crown.

Answer 1

unite despite different identities and interests.

Franklin’s “Join, or Die” snake—its segments labeled for the colonies—symbolized that the colonies, though separate, needed to unite or they would fail (originally to meet common threats and later against British policies).