CHY 4U1 – Image Analysis
The American Revolution – Don’t Tread on Me
Discussing the Illustration:
1) This was known as the Gadsden flag of the American Colonies at the time of the American
Revolution against England. It features a rattlesnake above the warning, "DON'T TREAD ON
ME". Why do you think the rattlesnake is an appropriate symbol?
2) What were American Revolutionaries seeking?
3) The Gadsden flag is reminiscent of another famous American flag that was created by
Benjamin Franklin in 1754 at the Albany Congress that depicted a serpent cut into pieces
above the words, “Join or Die”. Each segment is marked with the initials of the colonies.
What do you think is its relevance to the American cause? How could patriots rally around
such a flag?