History and symbolism of the Gadsden flag (don’t tread on me)
The Gadsden flag was a conception of the American general and politician Christopher Gadsden. He designed the flag in 1775 during the American Revolution. The use of a rattlesnake on the flag did not happen by chance. In fact, timber and diamond-black rattlesnake species were abundant within the original colonies.
Gadsden’s ‘Don’t Tread On Me’ flag shows a yellow field with a coiled rattlesnake in the center ready to strike. The words placed under the rattlesnake are “Don’t tread on me.” During the American revolutionary period, the colonies fought for their freedom and the Gadsden flag was an indication to the British forces that they should not take advantage of the American people and that the Americans were willing to fight perceived aggression.
Early use
It used to be the policy of Great Britain to send its convicts to the Americas. Benjamin Franklin made a sarcastic comment in response to this practice saying that Americans should return this British favor by sending rattlesnakes to England. Benjamin Franklin also used a wooden rattlesnake in what is believed to be the first American political cartoon.
The image showed the American colonies as segments of a snake and the famous line “join or die” written underneath. In 1775, George Washington, in his role as Commander-in-Chief of all continental forces in the United States, established the Continental Navy to intercept British cargo supplies for troops fighting the American colonies.
To assist the Navy during its missions, Congress authorized the training of Marines, a special force to accompany the United States Navy on its missions at sea. The Marines carried yellow painted drums with a rattlesnake and a slogan that read “don’t tread on me”, this is considered the first known use of the symbolism of the Gadsden flag in the history of the United States.
Before departing on his first mission, US Navy Commander-in-Chief Commodore Esek Hopkins received the famous Gadsden flag from General Gadsden himself, which later appeared on the ship’s main mast during his first mission. in December 1775.
Gadsden symbolism on the first Navy Jack
The current Navy Cat, which is the national maritime flag and also an official symbol of the United States government, uses the symbols used on the original Gadsden flag. The flag consists of 13 stripes denoting the original 13 colonies that first came together to form the United States of America.
Above the stripes is an undulating rattlesnake with the same motto which is “Don’t tread on me.” The message to the enemy is the same that you need to be careful of the rattlesnake’s rapid movement as it can always curl up and attack when the time is right.
Conclution
The Gadsden flag is a symbol of the courage, bravery and endurance of the people of the United States who have fought for their freedom since the formation of the first American colonies. It shows that the US Navy is always ready to protect its land and protect the freedom of its people.