Throughline
The Mother of Thanksgiving
Nov 21, 2024
Sarah Josepha Hale, a 19th-century writer and editor, played a pivotal role in making Thanksgiving a national holiday while advocating for unity during the Civil War. David Silverman, a history professor, provides essential context about the contrasting narratives of Thanksgiving, particularly the implications for Indigenous peoples. They explore Hale's relentless campaign and shed light on what the traditional story leaves out, ultimately questioning the complexities of American identity and the often overlooked histories that shape the holiday.
50:26
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Quick takeaways
- Sarah Josepha Hale's relentless advocacy for a national Thanksgiving led to its official establishment by President Lincoln during the Civil War.
- The popular narrative of Thanksgiving as a harmonious feast obscures the violent historical context and struggles of Native Americans during colonization.
Deep dives
The Context of the First Thanksgiving
The idea of Thanksgiving often romanticizes the 1621 feast between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe, presenting it as a moment of friendship and gratitude. However, this perspective overlooks the complex historical context, including the significant power dynamics favoring the Wampanoags, who vastly outnumbered the newcomers. The English colonists, struggling for survival, relied heavily on the Wampanoags for assistance, which adds depth to the narrative of their initial interaction. This deep historical context challenges the simplified story we often tell about Thanksgiving, revealing the need for a more nuanced understanding.
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