When was the first American political cartoon made?

Question

history final

Answer 1

The first cartoon appeared in Ben Franklin's newspaper The Pennsylvania Gazette on May 9, 1754. It appeared as part of an editorial by Franklin commenting on 'the present disunited state of the British Colonies.'

The woodcut drawing entitled 'Join or Die' pictures a divided snake in eight pieces representing as many colonial governments. The drawing was based on the popular superstition that a snake that had been cut in two would come to life if the pieces were joined before sunset. The drawing immediately caught the public's fancy and was reproduced in other newspapers.

Answer 2

http://xroads.virginia.edu/~MA96/PUCK/part1.html

FIRST AMERICAN POLITICAL CARTOON SNAKES THROUGH HISTORY
LAWRENCE - The first political cartoon published in America shows the British colonies as a snake cut into segments above the motto "JOIN, or DIE." The cartoon, by Benjamin Franklin, appeared in his newspaper the Pennsylvania Gazette on May 9, 1754.

Answer 3

perhaps as early as 18th cent.