Federalist Radio Hour Faith And The First Thanksgiving
Nov 25, 2025
Kevin Slack, an Associate Professor of Politics at Hillsdale College and an expert in early American history, discusses the significant role of faith in the colonists' first Thanksgiving. He highlights the Pilgrims' journey from religious persecution to celebration, emphasizing the feast's spiritual nature rather than mere festivity. Slack also connects Thanksgiving traditions to self-governance and evolving American values, warning against the modern risks to these traditions. His insights weave together the spiritual and historical roots that shaped America.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Pilgrims' Deadly First Year
- The Pilgrims endured a brutal ocean voyage and lost about half their company the first winter to disease and exposure.
- William Bradford and Edward Winslow recorded the 1621 harvest celebration that became the first Thanksgiving account.
Faith Fueled Self-Government
- Faith and freedom of conscience drove New England colonization and the Pilgrims' migration to Holland then America.
- That religious motive shaped early institutions and a culture of self-government in the colonies.
Feast Accompanied By Wampanoag Alliance
- The 1621 harvest celebration included communal hunting; Edward Winslow noted men killed many birds to feed the company.
- Chief Massasoit joined with 90 Wampanoag warriors and gifted five deer, marking a 50-year peace.