Something You Should Know The Real Story of Thanksgiving - Bonus Holiday Episode
Nov 12, 2025
Peter Mancall, a history and anthropology professor at the University of Southern California, unveils the true story of Thanksgiving. Discover how a turkey surplus mistake launched the frozen meal industry. Mancall clarifies the myths around the 1621 feast, detailing the real interactions between Pilgrims and Wampanoags. He explains why Thanksgiving became a national holiday and how modern traditions are changing, with many opting for alternatives to turkey. Get ready to rethink your holiday menu and the history behind it!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
How TV Dinners Were Born
- In 1953 Swanson overordered turkeys and salesman Jerry Thomas created reheatable individual turkey dinners.
- By 1954 Swanson sold 10 million TV dinners and launched the frozen meal industry.
Why Thanksgiving Falls On The Fourth Thursday
- Thanksgiving's date moved because of retail pressure and presidential decisions in 1939 and 1941.
- Congress fixed it as the fourth Thursday of November in 1941 to end the controversy.
The 1621 Gathering Was A Harvest Celebration
- Pilgrims and Wampanoag neighbors did gather in autumn 1621 for a multi-day celebration tied to the harvest.
- The feast marked survival after a brutal first winter and signaled hope for making it in New England.