History Daily 1252: Washington’s Thanksgiving
Nov 26, 2025
On November 26, 1789, George Washington aimed to unify a divided nation with the first national Thanksgiving. Discussing the anxieties sparked by Shays' Rebellion, the reluctance of Washington to assume the presidency, and public cheers that rekindled his hope for national unity. The podcast dives into Congress's proposal for a day of thanksgiving, and the debates surrounding it, including Anti-Federalist objections. It concludes with Lincoln's eventual proclamation that solidified Thanksgiving as a national holiday.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Shays' Rebellion Spurs Washington Back
- Daniel Shays led a militia of farmers in 1787 to seize the Springfield Armory after economic hardship and high taxes.
- The clash ended with several dead and inspired George Washington to re-enter public life for national stability.
Thanksgiving As A Unifying Strategy
- Washington saw a national Thanksgiving as a tool to mend deep political divides after the Constitutional Convention.
- He endorsed Representative Elias Boudinot's proposal to use prayer and gratitude to foster unity under the new Constitution.
Public Cheers Bolster Washington's Resolve
- Washington's inauguration tour revealed popular support that reassured him about leading a fragile republic.
- Public receptions helped him believe unifying the nation was possible, though governance challenges remained.