The Gadsden Flag Snake Prior to its appearance on the Gadsden Flag, the snake has been used in Benjamin Franklin’s works, such as the famous political cartoon “Join, or Die” and his anonymous letter to the Pennsylvania Journal. Additionally, the snake was used as a symbol of courage, unity, and independence throughout the colonies.
“She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: she is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage, … she never wounds ‘till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her.” The American Guesser, now believed to be Benjamin Franklin, wrote this about the rattlesnake and the “magnanimity and true courage” that is represents. The rattlesnake represents the 13 American colonies that England forced their laws on. The colonists showed that they were capable of fighting back, but Parliament ignored their petitions, and the protests ended in violence. This shows the “snake” warning their opponent. England finally treaded on the snake at the Battle of Bunker Hill, when they killed their own brethren. This persuaded many colonists to support independence and stand up for themselves. …show more content…
“‘Tis curious and amazing to observe how distinct and independent of each other the rattles of this animal are, and yet how firmly they are united together, so as never to be separated but by breaking them to pieces. One of those rattles singly, is incapable of producing sound, but the ringing of thirteen together, is sufficient to alarm the boldest man living.” His passage conveys that the thirteen colonies, represented by the thirteen rattles of the snake, are all independent and unique from each other. However, they are all united, and together, they can accomplish much more than if they were to go off on their
“She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: she is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage, … she never wounds ‘till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her.” The American Guesser, now believed to be Benjamin Franklin, wrote this about the rattlesnake and the “magnanimity and true courage” that is represents. The rattlesnake represents the 13 American colonies that England forced their laws on. The colonists showed that they were capable of fighting back, but Parliament ignored their petitions, and the protests ended in violence. This shows the “snake” warning their opponent. England finally treaded on the snake at the Battle of Bunker Hill, when they killed their own brethren. This persuaded many colonists to support independence and stand up for themselves. …show more content…
“‘Tis curious and amazing to observe how distinct and independent of each other the rattles of this animal are, and yet how firmly they are united together, so as never to be separated but by breaking them to pieces. One of those rattles singly, is incapable of producing sound, but the ringing of thirteen together, is sufficient to alarm the boldest man living.” His passage conveys that the thirteen colonies, represented by the thirteen rattles of the snake, are all independent and unique from each other. However, they are all united, and together, they can accomplish much more than if they were to go off on their