Rhetorical Analysis “Join, or Die” Looking back at American history, it goes without saying that there have been many trials and tribulations that have been overcome to achieve the freedom they have today US citizens. In retrospect, it is amazing how the colonists were oppressed by the English for more than a century and finally courageously banded together to rebel against them. This type of revolution would not have existed if it were not for the art of rhetoric. Political icons in American history used rhetoric to stoke the anger of colonists who rebelled against the English. Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, significantly used visual rhetoric to persuade the colonies to unite with his first political cartoon titled “Join or Die,” published in the Pennsylvania Gazette in 1754. Benjamin Franklin used his credibility to establish a well handcrafted rhetorical illustration, in which the symbolization, initials and caption play an active role in the revolutionary design, which changed the minds of the colonists towards the pursuit of freedom that is exercised today. Benjamin Franklin's reputation during this time is what fueled "Join or Die" must be more than just a drawing. He has contributed many scientific inventions and insightful publications to society. His contributions have earned him credibility and a reputation for being an intelligent individual. “Join, or Die” was the first political cartoon to be published in a newspaper like the Pennsylvania Gazette, indicating that striking drawings like this were not yet familiar to the public. Thanks to Franklin's positive and respectful ethos, this political cartoon was taken with greater consideration, instead of being dismissed as a mediocre sketch in a newspaper... in the middle of the paper... towards the colonies that are individually recognized. The inability to independently recognize each of the thirteen colonies in its own respect hinders his degree of persuasion towards his audience. Although there were snags in Benjamin Franklin's political cartoon, it nevertheless achieved its goal of persuading the colonists to unite as a harmonized force against the English for freedom. It is undeniable that Benjamin Franklin's rhetorical methods were successful in his political cartoon, “Unite, or Die.” The image captured the minds of many colonists and led them to the idea of ​​revolution, and is still cherished today. Although there were drawbacks to the illustration, it still managed to persuade, and is one of the many contributions that inspired colonists to fight for the freedom that is exercised in America today..