Who Encouraged Abraham Lincoln to Create Thanksgiving?
Introduction
Thanksgiving, a national holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada, has its roots deeply embedded in American history. The holiday commemorates the harvest and the early relationships between European settlers and Native Americans. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is credited with declaring Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863. However, the question of who encouraged Lincoln to create Thanksgiving remains a topic of debate among historians. This article aims to explore the possible influences that led Lincoln to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday, examining various theories and providing evidence to support these claims.
The Early Celebrations of Thanksgiving
Before Abraham Lincoln, Thanksgiving was celebrated sporadically by various groups in the United States. The first recorded Thanksgiving feast took place in 1621, when the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony shared a meal with the Wampanoag Native Americans. This event was a celebration of the harvest and a gesture of gratitude. Over the years, other colonies and states held their own Thanksgiving celebrations, often on different dates.
The Influence of Sarah Josepha Hale
One of the most prominent figures believed to have encouraged Abraham Lincoln to create Thanksgiving is Sarah Josepha Hale, a prominent 19th-century writer and editor. Hale was a strong advocate for the establishment of a national Thanksgiving holiday. She published numerous editorials and letters in newspapers and magazines, urging the government to declare a national day of thanksgiving.
In her 1846 letter to President James K. Polk, Hale wrote, I beg of you, as the great father of this nation, to set apart one day in the year for public thanksgiving. Her efforts were not limited to letters; Hale also published a book titled The Godey’s Lady’s Book, which included articles and recipes for Thanksgiving celebrations. Her persistent advocacy may have played a significant role in shaping public opinion and ultimately influencing Lincoln’s decision.
The Role of the Civil War
Another factor that may have contributed to Lincoln’s decision to create Thanksgiving was the Civil War. The war had taken a heavy toll on the nation, and Lincoln was looking for ways to unite the country. Thanksgiving, with its roots in gratitude and community, seemed like an ideal way to foster national unity.
In a letter to a Thanksgiving supporter, Lincoln wrote, I am happy to announce to you that the day of our National Thanksgiving has been fixed by the joint action of the Senate and House of Representatives, and will be observed by the whole people. This statement indicates that Lincoln saw Thanksgiving as a means to bring the nation together during a time of great division.
The Influence of Other Leaders
While Sarah Josepha Hale and the Civil War played significant roles in Lincoln’s decision, it is also possible that other leaders and public figures influenced him. For example, Henry Clay, a prominent statesman and orator, had advocated for a national Thanksgiving holiday earlier in the 19th century. His ideas may have resonated with Lincoln and contributed to his decision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the creation of Thanksgiving as a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln was influenced by a combination of factors. Sarah Josepha Hale’s persistent advocacy, the need for national unity during the Civil War, and the ideas of other influential figures all played a role in shaping Lincoln’s decision. While the exact individual or event that directly encouraged Lincoln to create Thanksgiving may never be fully known, it is clear that the holiday’s establishment was the result of a complex interplay of historical and social factors.
The importance of understanding the origins of Thanksgiving lies in its significance as a symbol of national unity and gratitude. As we continue to celebrate this holiday, it is essential to recognize the efforts of those who worked to establish it and to appreciate the values it represents. Future research could explore the role of other potential influencers and delve deeper into the historical context of the time to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the creation of Thanksgiving.
