Question

Write two to three sentences in which you explain whether or not Franklin’s cartoon was effective. Did its point come across easily? Do you think it was able to persuade people?

Answer 1

This cartoon definitely gets its point across. It uses a dead snake cut into eight parts to show the colonists that if they are not unified, then they will not survive against Great Britain. Also, the use of the simple words "Join, or Die" directly says what will happen to colonists if they remain separated.

Answer 2

Yes. "Join or Die" is a powerful and effective cartoon to persuade people to action.

The cartoon shows the American colonies as a snake divided into eight parts. Each part represents the divided states: New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

The representation of the snake has a strong meaning of persuasion. It was Franklin’s way to say “colonies, unite, or be attacked by French and Indians.”