Florida Civic Literacy Practice Exam

What action did the colonists support with the political cartoon captioned "Join or Die"?

1. Establishing a new nation

2. Forming their own government

3. Declaring independence from England

4. Uniting against British rule

The correct answer is: Forming their own government

The captioned political cartoon "Join or Die," created by Benjamin Franklin in 1754, primarily encapsulates the idea of colonial unity against external threats. The visual depiction of a segmented snake represents the American colonies, each piece indicating a separate colony. The message is clear: without unity, they would weaken their collective strength, particularly against British forces and other potential enemies. While the promotion of forming an independent government is a significant aspect of the colonists' subsequent actions, the cartoon specifically addresses the need for solidarity among the colonies. They recognized that only through a united front could they effectively advocate for their rights and interests against British rule, laying the groundwork for future revolutionary actions. This emphasis on uniting against a common adversary aligns closely with the intent of the cartoon, making it a rallying cry for collaboration and mutual support among the colonies during an era of escalating tensions with Britain.