Analyze the following political cartoon

• Identify the symbols• Study the words and images• Analyze the meaning• Interpret the cartoon

HOW?

Join or Die

• This political cartoon was drawn by Benjamin Franklin, it appeared in his newspaper in 1754

Practice the skillAnswer the following

questions

1. What does the snake represent?2. What do the labels on each piece

of the snakes body mean? What does the caption mean?

3. How did Franklin feel about the political issue of independence from Great Britain? How can you tell?

Answers• 1. The snake represents the American

colonies, which should be one country but instead are separate.

• 2. A. Each section is labeled with the initials of a region or colony. B. The caption urges the colonies to unite as one strong nation.

• 3. A. Franklin supported independence. B. The snake can live only if all the pieces of its body are joined. Franklin suggests that unity would make the colonies a strong and powerful nation.

Colonial ExperienceColonial ExperienceColonial ExperienceColonial Experience

Chapter 4Chapter 4

A Voice in Government

Colonists were used to having a VOICE in government from the beginning, although under England’s rule.

Patrick Henry giving hisfamous speech

Legislature

• Each colony elected representatives to the colonial Legislature

• Legislature – a group of people chosen to make the laws.

John Trumbull's painting of the Continental Congress The Declaration of Independence, 4 July 1776

Charter

• The colonies were created through CHARTERS– Charter – a document giving

permission to create a government.

– If they challenged England’s rule, the colony could be stripped of their charter.

Connecticut's Charter

WHO COULD VOTE?

• Only WHITE men who owned land could vote or hold office.– This was still more than in most

places.– The English colonies were one of the

few places were citizens participated in government.–This was a

stepping stone to more individual freedoms

Roots of Freedom

• Individual freedoms, like freedom of Religion and the Press were unknown throughout most of human history.

Heritage

• They became part of our heritage through colonists’ efforts.

• Heritage – the traditions passed down to us from generation to generation.

Religious Freedom

• In most places, religion was closely tied to government.

Many colonists (ex. Puritans) came to America for religious freedom.

Religious Freedom

• The United States was founded on the idea of religious freedom.

Religious freedom meant that a person could belong to any CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

This did not mean members of non-Christian faiths.

Religious Freedom

• Although their definition of religious freedom was different than ours today, it was an important stepping stone.

Freedom of the Press

Under English law, newspaper publishers were NOT allowed to criticize government.

John Peter Zenger

Put on trial for publishing articles accusing the Governor of New York abusing power.

He was found NOT GUILTY

The verdict did not change law, but inspired others to fight for the right to have freedom of the press

Royal Authority

• Used to having a voice in government, the colonies resisted any attempts to ignore their rights or to weaken their legislatures.

• Colonial governors were appointed by king, not elected.– Looked out for England’s interest,

not the colonies’

Royal Authority

• Because England was busy fighting wars they had little time for colonies.

• As a result, colonies were left alone to govern themselves.

Signs of Discontent

By the mid-1700’s, England had tightened its reigns on the colonies. It needed money help pay for war and it wanted the colonies to help pay.

Signs of Discontent

Once the wars were over, England had more time to be involved with governing the colonies.

Signs of Discontent

• Some royal governors started using their power with no regard for citizens’ rights.

• Colonists were angry by this and began to complain increasingly about tyranny.– Tyranny – the abuse of

POWER.

What is this leading to??