3. Join or Die

About this Lecture

Lecture

In this module, we focus in on some of the political developments of the period by looking at the "Join or Die" political cartoon. In particular, we will explore: (i) the links between "Join or Die" and westward expansion; (ii) Henry Popple's map, known as 'The British Empire in America'; (iii) the Join or Die cartoon; (iv) the Albany Congress; (v) Benjamin Franklin's inspiration for the Join or Die cartoon; (vi) the Gadsden Flag and the symbolism of the rattlesnake; (vii) Joseph Siffred Duplessis's portrait of Benjamin Franklin; (viii) Paul Revere's 'The Able Doctor'; and (ix) Edward Savage's 'Liberty'.

Course

In this course, Professor Zara Anishanslin (University of Delaware) examines American culture from 1754 to 1800. In the first module, we answer the question "What is an American?". After this, we focus in on the development of American exceptionalism in this period, whilst also looking at American desires to expand westward. From there we focus in on some of the political developments of the period by looking at the "Join or Die" political cartoon. In the penultimate module, we have a look at American history in this period through what people were wearing. In the final module, we explore the contrasts between George Washington and George III.

Lecturer

Professor Zara Anishanslin is an associate professor of History and Art History and director of the American Civilization Program at the University of Delaware. She specialises in early American and Atlantic World History, with a focus on eighteenth-century material culture. She has written widely within this topic area, including her book - Portrait of a Woman in Silk: Hidden Histories of the British Atlantic World.