Franklin uses the metaphor of the snake cut into pieces to illustrate the colonies’ need to join for the imminent war.
In 1754, Franklin repeated the theme of the Gadsden flag - a snake ct into pieces - with the emblem "Join, or Die." His propose was to call for the unity between all the eight colonies in times of conflict with the Indians and the upcoming Seven Years War (1756-1763) against the Frenchs.