September 2

One of the Best Civic Artifacts

One of the most insightful and powerful civic artifacts is Benjamin Franklin’s “Join or Die” cartoon, created in 1754.  This phrase became a commonplace in its prime, since colonists followed and supported it in their every-day lives.  The segmented pieces of the snake resemble the separated colonies, which are appropriately labelled.  By connecting, or “rejoining,” the disjointed parts, the snake becomes whole and poses as a deadly threat, metaphorically conveying that the united 13 colonies pose as a growing power.

Benjamin Franklin's "Join or Die"

The rhetorical situation, in this case, is King George II’s battle against the French and his decree to employ the help of colonial militias.  Benjamin Franklin, an avowed colonist, and soon avowed patriot, responds to King George II’s decision and asserts his desire to protect the colonies during the French and Indian War.  Mainly, Franklin appeals to pathos, since he evokes feelings of nationalism and unity within the general public.  However, he also appeals to ethos, since he has already established himself as a scholar and respected voice of reason in numerous newspapers and other media.  This piece of war propaganda incorporates strong language, such as the threat of “death,” and motivates the audience to “join” the war and fight for their colony.  The colonists participate in civic engagement by serving in the military and raising awareness through protests in order to protect their communities.  With renowned trailblazers such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, the colonies succeeded in defeating the French’s attack from Canada.

Ironically, the unification of the colonists catalyzed the American Revolution, which caused another war against Great Britain.  The American Colonies’ newfound independence appeared to mock Great Britain, which juxtaposes the cartoon’s initial purpose, consequently enforcing the Stamp Act, Tea Act, and other taxing reforms.  This cartoon now caters to a new rhetorical situation: the American Colonies’ decision to separate from their mother country.  Clearly, Benjamin Franklin’s “Join or Die” cartoon is a significant civic artifact because it influenced not only the French and Indian War, but the American Revolution, which revolutionized the idea of democracy.

All historical references can be found at History.com.


Posted September 2, 2021 by Sandra Blasone in category RCL

3 thoughts on “One of the Best Civic Artifacts

  1. Jaida

    I love the way that you incorporated Aristotle’s methods. Altogether a great piece, but I feel that the rhetorical situation element could have been stronger.

  2. Jake Parker

    This political cartoon is very important to the foundation of the revolution. Although the Albany Plan did not pan out how Franklin envisioned, it was an important step in gathering support from all 13 colonies to eventually rebel. I also have this as a flag on my basement wall!

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