Benjamin Franklin published the first American political cartoon in the Philadelphia-based newspaper, The Pennsylvania Gazette, in 1754. The cartoon featured a snake divided into eight sections representing the colonies, with the message, “Join, or Die,” beneath it. Newspapers throughout the colonies subsequently published the image, which not only expressed ubiquitous colonial discontent, but also called upon colonists to unite against political oppression. The snake ultimately became a symbol of the American Revolution, quickly appearing on money, uniforms, and military flags.

Questions: View the flags below, which include the original “Join, or Die” flag; the Gadsden “Don’t Tread on Me” battle flag, which was designed in 1775 by Christopher Gadsden, Colonel of the First South Carolina Regiment; and a flag created less than ten years ago by members of the Free State Project, a libertarian political movement founded in 2001. What political ideologies unite these three flags? Why would an American citizen fly a “Don’t Tread on Me” flag in the U.S. today?

Your answer should be well written and a minimum of 250 words. Thanks! Be specific in your posts; don’t generalize. Cite examples to support your analysis; explain your assertions; and support your opinions with evidence. Fully answer each discussion question