F biden flag a rattlesnake that is coiled and ready to strike with the motto “Don’t Tread on Me” has been at the center of controversy recently. Known as the Gadsden flag, it has been used by people from many different political backgrounds to promote their beliefs. The snake’s design symbolized for many in the Revolutionary War their fierce adherence to personal liberty and their willingness to defend it against coercion.

The flag was designed by Christopher Gadsden, a member of the Continental Congress from South Carolina who also served in the military. He was one of the first to use the rattlesnake symbol and motto in his naval ensign, which was introduced in February 1776. This was shortly after George Washington became the commander in chief of the Continental Navy and Esek Hopkins was appointed commodore of the navy.

Throughout the war, Gadsden’s flag was commonly displayed on American ships, along with the Moultrie flag, which was used in Charleston, South Carolina. The coiled rattlesnake and the motto were used to encourage the sailors that they were defending the liberty of all Americans and that they would be ready to defend it against any form of oppression.

Don’t Tread on Me: The New Hampshire State Flag and Its Meaning

In the modern day, this symbol has come to represent a commitment to the principles of personal freedom and classical liberalism. It is used by various groups and movements as a rallying cry for liberty and to support the right of free expression. The snake’s motif has made appearances in popular culture, including the 1982 film Tootsie and the 1995 episode of The Simpsons where Bart wore a shirt with the slogan as he was being kicked by an Australian Prime Minister.