Who Said “United We Stand Divided We Fall”? (2024)

Who Said “United We Stand Divided We Fall”? (1)
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Wondering who said, "United we stand, divided we fall"? While it seems like this phrase would be the war cry of a famous soldier, its actual first recorded use dates back to Aesop and his fables. This quote can be found as a direct statement in The Four Oxen and the Lion. It can also be found indirectly in The Bundle of Sticks. This quote can also be associated with a variety of public figures throughout early American history, as well as modern writers and musicians who have used it to make an impact on their audience.

Aesop Quote Examples

The phrase "United we stand, divided we fall" has been traced back to the Greek storyteller Aesop, who lived during the 6th century B.C. Most people know him for the fables that have been handed down through time in his name. Although storytelling was an oral tradition, the true authorship of all these fables cannot be confirmed. Aesop may have penned some of the fables, but others may have just been told in his name.

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The Four Oxen and the Lion

The last line of the fable The Four Oxen and the Lion is the phrase "united we stand, divided we fall."

"A lion used to prowl about a field in which four oxen used to dwell. Many a time he tried to attack them; but whenever he came near they turned their tails to warn another, so that whichever way he approached them he was met by the horns of one of them. At last, however, they fell a-quarrelling among themselves, and each went off to pasture alone in the separate corner of the field. Then the Lion attacked them one by one and soon made an end of all four.

United we stand, divided we fall."

Who Said “United We Stand Divided We Fall”? (2)
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The Bundle of Sticks

The phrase “United we stand, divided we fall” is not used directly in the fable The Bundle of Sticks. However, the moral of the story is the same.

This short fable tells of a man whose sons often quarrel among themselves. To show them the benefit of working together, the father brings his sons a bundle of sticks. He asks them to break the bundle of sticks. As expected, the brothers cannot break the sticks when they are bundled together. However, they can easily be broken individually. The moral of this story is written:

"... do you not see how certain it is that if you agree with each other and help each other, it will be impossible for your enemies to injure you? But if you are divided among yourselves, you will be no stronger than a single stick in that bundle."

Although his sentiment can be found in two of his fables, Aesop was certainly not the last one to use this quote. It has endured for thousands of years and remains an important life lesson to learn.

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Examples in Early American History

The most well-known uses of the phrase "United we stand, divided we fall" can be associated with the transition of the colonies in the new world to becoming the United States of America.

The Liberty Song by John Dickinson

The Liberty Song by John Dickinson, written in 1768, is the first known modern usage of the phrase "United we stand, divided we fall." The song was published in two Pennsylvania newspapers during the time sentiment for breaking the colonies away from England was rising. One line in the song is, “Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all!/ By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall.” It became part of the anti-British rule rhetoric of the day, and Dickinson went on to become a signer of the Constitution.

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Kentucky Statehood Motto

In 1792, during the first year of Kentucky's membership in the Union, the phrase "United we stand, divided we fall" became an indelible part of the state's history. That's because the state's first General Assembly decided to include the motto on the official seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. It remains there today and is known as the state motto of Kentucky.

Patrick Henry's 1799 Speech

Patrick Henry used the phrase in his last public speech, given in March 1799, where he denounced arguments put forth by the Kentucky and Virginia legislature in favor of states' rights over federal authority. They were arguing that the Alien and Sedition Acts (1798) were unconstitutional and could be declared as such by the states. In what became his last public speech, Henry spoke out against their assertions saying:

"Let us trust God, and our better judgment to set us right hereafter. United we stand, divided we fall. Let us not split into factions which must destroy that union upon which our existence hangs."

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The Flag of Our Union by George Pope Morris

The Flag of Our Union, a poem written by poet and journalist George Pope Morris in 1853, uses the phrase "United we stand, divided we fall" in the following verse: "A song for our banner! The watchword recall / Which gave the Republic her station: / 'United we stand, divided we fall!' / It made and preserves us a nation!" Morris was co-founder of the New York Evening Mirror newspaper Home Journal magazine, which eventually became Town and Country.

More Examples in Modern Culture

References to the phrase "United we stand, divided we fall" did not stop as history marched on. It is often used in modern culture, both in exact wording and with slight variations. While the phrase may vary slightly in wording, the meaning remains the same.

  • The phrase "United we stand, divided we fall, can be found on the Missouri state flag. The flag displays two grizzly bears around a shield which has "United We Stand, Divided We Fall" written around it.
  • J.K. Rowling uses a variation of the phrase in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when Albus Dumbledore says, "We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided."
  • Pink Floyd's song Hey You contains the following lyric: "Hey you, don't tell me there's no hope at all,/ Together we stand, divided we fall."
  • Def Leppard's song When Love & Hate Collide switches up the phrase in the following lyric: "I got your number on my wall, but I ain't gonna make that call/ When divided we stand baby, united we fall."
  • Brotherhood of Man uses the phrase in their song United We Stand as seen in these lyrics: "For united we stand/ divided we fall, And if our backs should ever be against the wall/ We'll be together, together, you and I."
  • During Super Bowl L (50), the phrase "united we stand, divided we fall" was used as part of Marvel Studio's ad campaign for Captain America: Civil War. This phrase was a theme in the movie as well.

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United We Stand Meaning

The popular motto "United we stand, divided we fall," often shortened to "united we stand," is commonly used to express unity and collaboration. The phrase is used to encourage and inspire. It sends the message that working together is easier, as there is strength in numbers, whereas doing things alone is harder and invites failure. This phrase has been used time and again throughout history to rally groups together. You will still hear it used today where the message remains the same. In some ways, it can be considered a catchphrase. Explore other memorable catchphrases for inspiration. Then, take a peek at more catchy slogans. What you learn may help you write your own!

Who Said “United We Stand Divided We Fall”? (2024)

FAQs

Who Said “United We Stand Divided We Fall”? ›

"United we stand, divided we fall

United we stand, divided we fall
"United we stand, divided we fall" is a phrase used in many different kinds of mottos, most often to inspire unity and collaboration.
https://en.wikipedia.org › United_we_stand,_divided_we_fall
" is a phrase that can be traced back some 2,600 years to 6th Century B.C. The first attributed use in modern times is by one of our nation's Founding Fathers, John Dickinson, in a song he wrote, "The Liberty Song." Most often, it is used when someone is looking to inspire unity and ...

Where did the phrase United we stand, divided we fall originate? ›

The first attributed use in modern times is to Founding Father John Dickinson in his pre-Revolutionary War song "The Liberty Song", first published on July 7, 1768, in both the Pennsylvania Journal and Pennsylvania Gazette newspapers.

Did John Dickinson say United we stand, divided we fall? ›

Yes It's True. The Phrase “UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL'' was tossed first by the John Dickinson, known as the founding father of United State Of America. This phrase, as many of us hear it a lot, is one of the most used phrase.

What does the phrase United we stand, divided we fall mean? ›

This page is about the saying "United we stand, divided we fall" Possible meaning: If we work together we can be successful. If we fight each other we will fail.

When did Americans shorten the phrase to fall? ›

The word fall likely stems from “the fall of the leaves” or “falling of the leaves,” phrases poets liked, according to Merriam-Webster. People shortened the phrase to “fall” in the 1600s.

Who came up with the term fall? ›

Both 'autumn' and 'fall' originated in Britain. So why is 'fall' primarily used in America? The older of the two words is autumn, which first came into English in the 1300s from the Latin word autumnus.

What is a famous John Dickinson quote? ›

The English cherish the liberty we defend; they respect the dignity of our cause; but they will blame, they will detest our recourse to independence, and will unite with one consent to combat us.

What was John Dickinson against? ›

During the Stamp Act Crisis in 1765, Dickinson was a leading voice against the Parliamentary acts that imposed a tax on items by requiring the purchase of a stamp.

What side did John Dickinson support? ›

Dickinson played a major but restraining role in this opposition. Sympathetic to colonial complaints, he nevertheless sought to avoid violence. He urged Americans to rely primarily on economic pressure, and he enlisted the help of the powerful British merchants in the colonists' cause.

Who wrote United We Stand? ›

What state has a motto of United We Stand Divided We Shall Fall? ›

The state name, KENTUCKY, is printed in black letters above the silhouette, and the words, UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE SHALL FALL, are printed under the silhouette in black letters that curve to compliment the sticker?

What did they first call America? ›

The earlier Spanish explorers referred to the area as the Indies believing, as did Columbus, that it was a part of eastern Asia.

What was America named after 1776? ›

On September 9, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted a new name for what had been called the "United Colonies.” The moniker United States of America has remained since then as a symbol of freedom and independence.

Why is autumn called fall in the USA? ›

autumn, season of the year between summer and winter during which temperatures gradually decrease. It is often called fall in the United States because leaves fall from the trees at that time.

Do Canadians say fall or autumn? ›

Autumn, also known as fall in American English and Canadian English, is one of the four temperate seasons on Earth. Outside the tropics, autumn marks the transition from summer to winter, in September (Northern Hemisphere) or March (Southern Hemisphere).

Why is summer called summer? ›

Where did the word summer come from? The word summer is quite old. It's recorded before the year 900 and comes from the Old English word for the season, sumor. It's related to the Dutch zomer, the German Sommer, and the Sanskrit samā (which means “year”).

Why does fall have 2 names? ›

Because the British hated “fall.” The English language started spreading to America around the same time that “fall” and “autumn” were battling, so they both ended up making it across the pond; the British decided to simply keep “autumn.”

What was Emily Dickinson's most famous quote? ›

One of Dickinson's most famous quotes reads, “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.” This quote has become a mantra for many gamblers who are looking for that glimmer of hope when things aren't going their way.

What is David Dickinson catchphrase? ›

Catchphrases. "Real bobby-dazzler" (particularly excellent item). Dickinson's biography is entitled What a Bobby Dazzler. "Cheap as chips" (bargain)

What are 5 famous quotes? ›

Famous quotes in English
QuoteWhoLanguage
That's one small step for a man, a giant leap for mankind.Neil ArmstrongEnglish
The love of money is the root of all evil.the BibleGreek
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.Franklin D. RooseveltEnglish
The truth will set you free.the BibleGreek
54 more rows

Was Dickinson a loyalist or patriot? ›

When independence was adopted the next day, Dickinson — a constitutional loyalist but still an American patriot - left Congress to join the Continental Army.

What state did not vote for the Declaration of Independence? ›

Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted against declaring independence. The New York delegation abstained, lacking permission to vote for independence.

Was John Dickinson for or against slavery? ›

In the 1787 Constitutional Convention, Dickinson was one of the few delegates to vocally object to the slave trade on moral grounds and moved to have it prohibited in the Constitution.

Was John Dickinson in favor of the Constitution? ›

Although he resented the forcefulness of Madison and the other nationalists, he helped engineer the Great Compromise and wrote public letters supporting constitutional ratification.

Did John Adams and John Dickinson fight? ›

King George III and Parliament foolishly ignored both. The battle between Dickinson and Adams was a dramatic one. Dickinson held the upper hand throughout 1775 despite the outbreak of war at Concord and Lexington and the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Who made stand by your man famous? ›

'Stand By Your Man' In August 1968, Tammy Wynette and her producer Billy Sherrill recorded the song that would become her signature — a song that feminists pointed to as degrading to women.

Who wrote anthem God bless America? ›

In the fall of 1938, as fascism and war threatened Europe, Irving Berlin decided to write a peace song. He recalled an unpublished version of a song that he had set aside in a trunk, took it out and shaped it into a second national anthem, "God Bless America."

What is the theme of United We Stand? ›

“United we stand, divided we fall” implies that if we work on something as a team and live in harmony with each other we shall succeed in life and if we go against each other and try to work on a task alone we are likely to fail at it.

What are the 3 mottos of the world state? ›

Lesson Summary. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley shows a society, the World State, that controls its citizens through various means, most visibly through slogans. Beginning with the World State's motto, "Community, Identity, and Stability," these slogans are designed to encourage conformity and happiness.

What state motto is In God We Trust? ›

"In God We Trust" (also rendered as "In God we trust") is the official motto of the United States as well as the motto of the U.S. state of Florida.

What is the world's states motto? ›

"The World State's motto: COMMUNITY, IDENTITY, STABILITY." Aldous Huxley's dystopian classic Brave New World.

When did the phrase the United States of America originate? ›

Also, the words “United States of America” appeared in the first draft of the Articles of Confederation on July 8, 1776, as it was submitted to Congress.

Is United we stand, divided we fall Kentucky's motto? ›

The state motto of Kentucky, "United we stand, divided we fall," was from a popular 1768 tune entitled the "Liberty Song," by John Dickinson.

What did the name of America first stand for? ›

America First refers to a policy stance in the United States that generally emphasizes American exceptionalism and non-interventionism. The term was coined by President Woodrow Wilson in his 1916 campaign that pledged to keep America neutral in World War I.

What did they call America before it was America? ›

The earlier Spanish explorers referred to the area as the Indies believing, as did Columbus, that it was a part of eastern Asia.

Why are Americans called Americans? ›

The term “American” was a way to differentiate between the British who had remained in the Old World and those who had moved to the Americas. After the colonies achieved independence from Great Britain and the fledgling United States of America was formed, the term 'British American' was obviously no longer needed.

Who discovered America first? ›

Before Columbus

We know now that Columbus was among the last explorers to reach the Americas, not the first. Five hundred years before Columbus, a daring band of Vikings led by Leif Eriksson set foot in North America and established a settlement.

What is the motto of Florida? ›

"In God We Trust" was adopted by the Florida legislature as part of the state seal in 1868. This is also the motto of the United States and is a slight variation on Florida's first state motto, "In God is our Trust." In 2006, "In God We Trust" was officially designated in state statute as Florida's motto.

What is Kentucky Latin motto? ›

The phrase "Deo gratiam habeamus" is named and designated the Commonwealth's official Latin motto. Effective: July 15, 2002 History: Created 2002 Ky.

What is the nickname of Kentucky? ›

Officially named the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Kentucky is known as the Bluegrass State – but bluegrass is actually green. It produces blue-purple buds that appear blue when seen in large fields.

What was the original motto of the United States? ›

Only the motto “E Pluribus Unum” (“from many, one”) survived from the committee on which Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin had served. All had agreed on that motto from the beginning. The current motto, “In God We Trust,” was developed by a later generation.

Which motto of the United States is the oldest? ›

History. The 1956 law was the first establishment of an official motto for the country, although E pluribus unum ("Out of many, one") was adopted by an Act of Congress in 1782 as the motto for the Seal of the United States and has been used on coins and paper money since 1795.

Who gave America its name? ›

The naming of the Americas, or America, occurred shortly after Christopher Columbus's first voyage to the Americas in 1492. It is generally accepted that the name derives from Amerigo Vespucci, the Italian explorer, who explored the new continents in the following years on behalf of Spain and Portugal.

What is the Hebrew name for America? ›

By Jeff A. Benner. The "United States of America" is written in Hebrew as ארצות הברית של אמריקה (artsot haberiyt shel america).

What was America before 1492? ›

Before 1492, modern-day Mexico, most of Central America, and the southwestern United States comprised an area now known as Meso or Middle America.

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