Question

political cartoon analysis: \join or die\ (the albany plan of union)
instructions: analyze the political cartoon below and answer the questions that go along with this in the space provided.
political cartoon
join, or die.
source: \join or die\ by benjamin franklin, 1754.
analysis

1. what is the main idea of the image? summarize the main ideas of the image and explain with specific information.
2. what is the historical context of the image? what specific historical events and/or historical eras are connected to the time period of this historical image? (explain with specific information.)
3. who is the intended audience? who was the intended target audience in this image? (explain with specific information.)

Explanation:

1. The cartoon shows a snake cut into segments, each representing an American colony. The message "JOIN, or DIE" emphasizes the need for the colonies to unite for survival, as a divided entity is vulnerable.
2. Created by Benjamin Franklin in 1754 during the French - Indian War, it was a call for the British colonies in North America to unify for defense against the French and their Native American allies. This was also around the time of the Albany Congress which discussed colonial unity.
3. The target audience was the colonists in British - North America. It aimed to persuade them of the importance of cooperation and unity in the face of external threats.

Answer:

1. The main idea is that the American colonies needed to unite to survive external threats, symbolized by the segmented snake. A divided entity (colonies) was vulnerable, while a united one could thrive.
2. The historical context is the French - Indian War (1754 - 1763). The colonies faced threats from the French and their Native American allies. The Albany Congress in 1754 was considering plans for colonial unity, and this cartoon was a visual call to action for that unity.
3. The intended target audience was the British colonists in North America. It was designed to convince them of the necessity of cooperation and unity for their own safety and well - being.