1. Interpret the cartoon. What historical event/issue is being represented?

This historical event being represented is the capture of the British army at Saratoga and Yorktown by the Americans. The empty snake coils represent the vacant room for another British army to be captured.

2. What is the message that the cartoonist is trying to convey? Which side of the issue does he support?

The message conveyed by the cartoonist is that the Americans will continue capturing the British army. It is evident that the cartoonist supports the American side because the captions on the cartoon states "Britons within the Yankeean Plains, Mind how ye March & Trench, The Serpent in the congress reigns, As well as in the French." This quote explains how the British is unsafe within American territory and also describes how the congress (americans) reign.

3. What effect(s) did this cartoon have on American History? What were the results of this issue being addressed?
The effect of "The American Rattlesnake" boosted the confidence of the Americans as well as increased their motivation to pursue independence from the British. The cartoon addressed that these captures at Yorktown and Saratoga prove the strength of the Americans. Also, "The American Rattlesnake" raised the awareness of the Americans that the British can be beaten. This is a critical event in American History which was one of the leading events to the final separation from Great Britain and the ultimate formation of the United States.