Join or Die T-Shirt

The "Join or Die" flag, originally a political cartoon created by Benjamin Franklin, first appeared in his Pennsylvania Gazette on May 9, 1754, during the lead-up to the French and Indian War. The image depicted a segmented snake, with each segment labeled to represent the American colonies, accompanied by the bold caption "JOIN, or DIE," urging unity among the colonies to strengthen their defense against external threats. The snake, a symbol of vigilance and resilience in early American iconography, was intentionally shown as severed to emphasize that division would lead to vulnerability and defeat. Though not a flag in its initial form, the design was later adapted during the American Revolution, notably as a naval ensign flown by figures like John Paul Jones, evolving into a rallying cry for colonial solidarity against British rule. Today, it endures as an emblem of American unity and defiance, often invoked in historical and patriotic contexts.

• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping

Size guide