Higher Ground With Billy Hallowell
FACT CHECK: What's the Real Story Behind Thanksgiving — and Are We 'Rewriting History?'
Nov 26, 2024
William Federer, a renowned historian and author with expertise in American history, dives into the true story behind Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims. He reveals how history is often rewritten to suit modern agendas and clarifies common myths about the Pilgrims' quest for religious freedom. Federer recounts their challenging journey and the creation of a self-governing agreement, emphasizing the importance of preserving authentic history. He also touches on the significance of respecting the unique liberties America offers, especially during this season of gratitude.
26:20
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Quick takeaways
- Historian William J. Federer discusses how current ideologies reinterpret the Pilgrims' history to emotionally detach people from their heritage.
- The collaboration between the Pilgrims and Squanto during their first Thanksgiving highlights a pivotal moment of mutual support and peace in early America.
Deep dives
Myths Surrounding the Pilgrims
Many misconceptions exist about the pilgrims and their reasons for coming to America, primarily driven by a desire to erase historical narratives. These myths often stem from a broader tactic of deconstruction, which seeks to emotionally detach people from their cultural heritage by portraying the founders negatively. The portrayal of early American history as solely exploitative disregards the foundational values of individual liberty and opportunity that these founders fought for. This effort to repaint founders as villains aligns with historic practices where regimes have sought to rewrite histories to promote new ideologies.
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