Skip to product information
1 of 4

The History List

"Join or Die" Crewneck sweatshirt

"Join or Die" Crewneck sweatshirt

Size
Regular price $ 39.95
Regular price Sale price $ 39.95
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Taken from the original illustration in Franklin’s The Pennsylvania Gazette, May 9, 1754.  Originally, a warning to the colonies, urging them to unite against the French and Native American allies, and later used as an appeal to the states during the Revolutionary War.  The rattlesnake segments are labeled,  S.C., N.C., V., M., P., N.J., N.Y., and N.E. See additional information below.

The sweatshirts:
  • Crewneck sweatshirt: Very soft 50% cotton / 50% polyester and that has been pre-washed to reduce shrinkage. With ribbed waistband and cuffs.  This is a lightweight sweatshirt. S - 5XL. See size chart.

Also available "Join or Die" shirtlong-sleeved shirt, women's v-neck, tank top for women, woven socks that are made in the USAsticker, magnet, and an 8" x 10"  framed print.


Historical background

This political cartoon (attributed to James Turner (silversmith) for Benjamin Franklin) originally appeared during the French and Indian War, but was recycled to encourage the American colonies to join the Albany Plan for Union. From The Pennsylvania gazette, May 9, 1754. Abbreviations used: Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and New England.

The practice of grouping the colonies east of New York (New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut) together as "New England" has a history that goes back to the Dominion of New England, established in 1686 . . . Delaware was not listed separately because it was comprised of three counties that were part of Pennsylvania, and did not gain independence from Philadelphia until after the Declaration of Independence was asserted. Prior to formal separation from Pennsylvania, Delaware was properly referred to as the "Lower Counties on Delaware".

The Province of Georgia was not originally included by Franklin (let alone other British colonies in North America) but was later added and can be see at the tip of the tail. Georgia, the youngest of what would come to be referred to as the "Thirteen Original Colonies", had only been chartered in 1732 as a haven for those incarcerated in England's debtors prisons, and its population was sparse.

Source: Wikipedia

In addition, author John Bell has an interesting piece that also covers this: Join or Die: Why Did it Have to be Snakes.

Shipping

Flat-rate shipping: Regardless of the number of items you order, the shipping price for shirts, caps, unframed prints and posters, bracelets, lapel pins, pendants, and button packs is $5.95.

For hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, mugs, and blankets, the shipping cost is $8.95. 

Our flat rate shipping means you can add two or more t-shirts, sweatshirts, or caps for no additional shipping charge.

Learn more about shipping here.

All original designs are copyrighted by The History List

All designs are copyrighted by The History List and the History Nerd text and design on t-shirts is a registered trademark. If you see a knock off, please let me know.

Made by America

Nearly everything we offer is designed by us and made in America.

Our original designs are based on our nation’s history and our love of American history. Read more about other things we've created, including The History List, History Camp, and The Pursuit of History, in addition to The History List Store.

All original designs are copyrighted by The History List.

Every product that is made in America states that in the product description and includes the "Made in U.S.A." graphic. There are a relatively small number of items where we’ve not been able to find a manufacturing partner here in the States, but we continue to look.  

Our nation’s historyOur original designs

View full details

Customer Reviews

Based on 9 reviews
100%
(9)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
G
Gail
Join or Die Sweatshirt

I bought this for myself. I love Revolutionary War history. Worked in Boston and love history. It is so nice and soft. Can't wait until cold weather so I can wear it!

E
Emily C.
SO SO GOOD

Perfect fit, so soft, LOVE the design. Excellent sweater. Would absolutely recommend.

K
Katie G.
Love, Love, Love this sweatshirt!

Great quality, super soft and awesome print! Everything I purchase from The History List is always fabulous! Will be purchasing more sweatshirts and tees for sure!

D
Deb L.
“Join or Die” Sweatshirt size Lg. Grey

Wasn’t sure if a size large would be roomy enough, but was pleasantly surprise; in-fact, I think even a medium would have been plenty roomy. I’m a female 5’7”/ 145. Sleeves are plenty long. Launders beautiful. Keeps its size and shape. Good quality. Waiting for the long sleeve shirt to come back in-stock.

M
Michelle M.
Great Addition to My Growing History List Collection

I love this sweatshirt! I was so excited to see the design back in after I missed it the first time, and then the crew neck option was icing on the cake. It's soft & warm but also very lightweight. Great quality and fantastic design!

L
Lindsay C.
I love this sweatshirt!

Super soft and comfortable! And love the relatively subtle history design. Definitely a good purchase.

A
Angela L.
Love the Wrap Around Graphic

One of my favorite graphics to begin with. The sweatshirt is perfect. It's very comfortable, I practically live in it :)

N
Nancy T.
Very very nice quality.

Fantastic sweatshirt that I bought fior my husband's early morning motorcycle rides. Very soft right out of the box and I washed anyway, with no shrinkage. Thank you!