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Auction Name: 2025 October 24 - 25 Americana & Political Signature® Auction
Lot Number: 43123
Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6324*43123
The Pennsylvania Journal and the Weekly Advertiser (Philadelphia): George Washington Being Appointed Commander-In-Chief of the American Continental Army. 10 1/2 x 16 3/4", 4 pgs., June 21, 1775. The "UNITE OR DIE" or "Segmented Snake" cartoon is one of the earliest political cartoons printed in a newspaper in the British North American Colonies during the Revolutionary War. This issue also contains news of the American Army being organized and news that George Washington has been appointed Commander-in-Chief of that army by the Continental Congress. Lastly, this issue contains a long detailed account of the Williamsburg (VA) "powder alarm".
The "Unite or Die" cartoon, also known as "Join, or Die," was a political cartoon created by Benjamin Franklin in 1754. It was initially used to encourage colonial unity against the French and their Native American allies during the French and Indian War. By 1775, during the American Revolution, the cartoon was revived in 1775 and its message was adapted to urge the colonies to unite against British rule.
Franklin's cartoon depicted a snake cut into segments, with each segment representing a colony, under the slogan "Join, or Die". This was to illustrate the weakness of the colonies if they remained disunited and vulnerable to attacks from the French and their allies. As tensions with Britain escalated, the cartoon was reprinted in colonial newspapers like The Pennsylvania Journal with the caption changed to "Unite or Die". This change reflected the growing desire for colonial unity against British policies and taxation. The cartoon became a powerful symbol of colonial unity and resistance, playing a role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing support for the American Revolution. It is considered one of the first American political cartoons.
Condition: Paper has been restored along the edges and vertical center fold. Old owners stamp on front and back page. Missing chunks of text on second and third pages, as shown in posted image. A great newspaper rarity.
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