New York State Test Prep Social Studies 5 (Grade 4) Colonial and Revolutionary Period in NY

America's First Political Cartoon CRQ

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Benjamin Franklin's woodcut from May 9, 1754.
From: Newspaper Serial and Government Publications Division, Library of Congress.

The English and French fought over control of the new lands in America. The battles they fought became known as the French and Indian War. The war lasted from 1754-1763. During this time, the British Army needed their colonists to unite to defend the colonies and help defeat the French.

Benjamin Franklin published this print of a snake in his newspaper in 1754. The picture was made from a carving in wood and was reprinted in newspapers throughout the colonies. We call this sketch a political cartoon. This is believed to be the first political cartoon printed in America. Political cartoons are not always humorous. They are drawn to show the reader how the creator of the cartoon feels about a topic or issue.

unite: to join together

Directions: Base your answers to the questions below on the political cartoon and your knowledge of social studies.

1. Into how many sections has the snake been cut?

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2. What did Franklin mean by "JOIN, or DIE?"

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3. Look at the labels next to each section of the snake. What do the severed (cut) sections of the snake represent?

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Source: http://www.foundingfathers.info/stories/gadsden.html#independence