The image of a rattlesnake was used as a symbol of the American colonies from the beginning of the French and Indian War to the end of the War for Independence
Why did American colonists began using the rattlesnake as a symbol?
Both before and during the American Revolution, the nascent United States searched for appropriate symbols to represent a unified and unique country. Benjamin Franklin utilized the figure of the rattlesnake to first symbolize dissatisfaction with Great Britain , and later as a relevant symbol for the country overall.
What does the American rattlesnake represent?
The rattlesnake as a symbol of the American colonies originated with Benjamin Franklin's Join or Die cartoon of 1754, which he printed above his newspaper essay urging unity among the colonies for defense against the French and Indians on the frontier.
Why was the snake used to represent the colonies?
The snake was a potent symbol with more positive connotations to the colonists than it might carry today, according to Donald C. Dewey, author of the 2007 book, The Art of Ill Will: The Story of American Political Cartoons. “Snakes meant regeneration and renewal, because they shed their skins ,” he explains.
What do the snake segments represent?
Accompanying the article was the “JOIN, OR DIE” cartoon, with a snake cut into eight pieces that symbolized the British colonies . Franklin's message hit home as the cartoon and article started appearing in other colonial newspapers.
Why does the snake have 8 pieces and not 13?
New England was represented as one segment, rather than the four colonies it was at that time. Delaware was not listed separately as it was part of Pennsylvania. Thus, it has eight segments of a snake rather than the traditional 13 colonies. ...
Do rattlesnakes have a scent?
Rattlesnakes (genera Sistrurus and Crotalus) emit odors that are intensely musky and strong . While the odors that these reptiles give off are usually deterrents to human beings, snakes sometimes employ them for purposes beyond self-defense.
What does Don't Tread on Me stand for?
The tread in Gadsden's defiant phrase, don't tread on me, means “ to step, walk, or trample so as to press, crush, or injure something .” And so, with its tongue flicked, fangs out, and body coiled in defense, the rattlesnake (and motto) warns: “If you dare put your foot down on me, I will strike.”
Who was the intended audience for the American rattlesnake?
However, much of Catesby's intended audience lived in England or Contiential Europe , where there was little danger of encountering a rattlesnake.
Why was the Gadsden flag made?
The message was that the Army was ready to defend and preserve America . The first time the flag was used was by the Continental Marines. The Gadsden flag was given to the Commander in chief of the Navy, Esek Hopkins, for use on his flagship to represent America.
Why does the snake have 8 pieces and not 13 quizlet?
Then it was used to unite the colonies against the British during the Revolutionary War period . The Snake is severed into 8 parts, each representing a different state. ... This treaty in 1763 marked the end of the French and Indian wars that had devastated the new world for the past years.
What do snakes stand for?
Historically, serpents and snakes represent fertility or a creative life force. As snakes shed their skin through sloughing, they are symbols of rebirth, transformation, immortality, and healing. The ouroboros is a symbol of eternity and continual renewal of life.
Why are there only 8 segments of the snake?
why are there only 8 segments of the snake? the 8 segments represent the colonies . ... the rest of the colonies are in order as you work your way down to the tail. 2 colonies were left out.
What symbolism does a snake cut into pieces?
The symbolism of a snake may have represented regeneration or renewal , since snakes shed their skins, or, may have drawn upon a legend of the time, which suggested that a snake that was cut into pieces could come back to life if its parts were assembled before sunset.
What items were taxed under the Stamp Act?
Stamp Act.
Parliament's first direct tax on the American colonies, this act, like those passed in 1764, was enacted to raise money for Britain. It taxed newspapers, almanacs, pamphlets, broadsides, legal documents, dice, and playing cards .
What do the letters next to each piece of the snake's body represent which ones are missing?
The snake's detached head was labeled “N.E.” for “New England,” while the trailing seven sections were tagged with letters representing the colonies of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina . The exhortation “JOIN, or DIE” appeared underneath the image.
