Franksgiving: When FDR Moved Thanksgiving w/ Adam Conover [Archive Episode]
Nov 28, 2024
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In this discussion with Adam Conover, creator of "Adam Ruins Everything," listeners explore FDR's controversial decision to move Thanksgiving in 1939. Conover shares insights on how this political maneuver aimed to boost holiday shopping amid economic woes faced by many Americans. The conversation touches on the evolving nature of Thanksgiving traditions, the commercialization of the holiday, and how historical political decisions have lasting impacts. They also draw parallels to today's polarization, showing that the complexities of Thanksgiving remain relevant.
FDR's decision to move Thanksgiving aimed to boost the wartime economy, leading to substantial public backlash and political division.
The evolving narrative of Thanksgiving calls for a more accurate representation of history, emphasizing gratitude and community over simplified myths.
Deep dives
Franksgiving and FDR's Bold Move
In 1939, Franklin Delano Roosevelt's decision to move Thanksgiving up a week to help boost the wartime economy sparked widespread controversy. This change aimed to extend the holiday shopping season, as retailers feared that a late Thanksgiving would leave them little time before Christmas sales. However, this re-scheduling disrupted long-established holiday plans and college football schedules, leading to significant backlash from both the public and institutions. Ultimately, Roosevelt's move persisted until 1941, when Congress officially reinstated Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November.
Political Ramifications and Public Sentiment
The alteration of Thanksgiving highlighted the inherent politicization of American culture, as both sides of the political spectrum seized the opportunity to critique Roosevelt. Polls indicated significant division, with most Republicans opposing the change, viewing it as an affront to tradition, while Democrats showed a more favorable stance. The comparison of FDR's actions to Hitler by some critics underscored the intense political climate of the time, where even holiday decisions became grounds for partisan conflict. This situation illustrates how tradition and political identity can intertwine, influencing public perception and sentiment.
Thanksgiving's Evolution and Reflection
The discussion around Thanksgiving has evolved, particularly regarding its cultural and historical contexts, shedding light on its troubled roots. The holiday’s narrative has often simplified complex historical relations, particularly with Indigenous peoples, as it was politically advantageous to frame it as a harmonious gathering. Today, there’s a growing call to embrace a more accurate representation of history while preserving Thanksgiving as an opportunity to express gratitude and community. By focusing on the themes of harvest and togetherness rather than the mythos surrounding its origins, Thanksgiving can emerge as a celebration of gratitude that acknowledges its full history.
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It’s November 26th. On this day in 1939, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had declared that Thanksgiving would take place a week earlier than usual. Americans were not happy.
Jody and Niki are joined by Adam Conover of “Adam Ruins Everything” and the podcast Factually to discuss why FDR tried to move the holiday, how it became politicized, and what Thanksgiving means to us in 2020.