Question

What did Benjamin Franklin believe would happen if the American colonies did not come together during their struggle for independence from Britain?

A) They would face economic hardships.
B) The British would offer them better trade deals.
C) They would continue to be subjected to British oppression.
D) The British would grant them greater autonomy without a fight.

Answer 1

Benjamin Franklin believed that without unity, the American colonies would continue to face British oppression and would not be able to effectively defend their rights or sustain the struggle for independence. His phrase 'Join or Die' underscored the necessity of coming together to stand against the powerful British Empire and prevent ongoing economic and political subjugation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Benjamin Franklin strongly believed that if the American colonies did not unite during their struggle for independence from Britain, they would continue to face oppression and inability to self-govern. He famously symbolized this sentiment with the phrase "Join or Die," which emphasized that unity was essential for survival against the powerful British Empire.

Franklin's inspiration for colonial unity stemmed in part from the Iroquois Confederacy, where he saw the strength of a united group of tribes. His views were rooted in the experiences of the colonies throughout the period of salutary neglect and the subsequent harsher British policies following the French and Indian War, which led to increased taxes and restricted freedoms for the colonists.