Lincoln's Proclamation of Thanksgiving

Historical Significance and Background

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared November 26th as a national Thanksgiving Day in the United States. It was decided that this day would be celebrated every year on the last Thursday of November. The main reason for this proclamation was a series of articles written by Sarah Josepha Hale, a renowned magazine editor who had been writing about a national holiday for 40 years.

The proclamation of Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday in 1863 was a significant event in the historical context of that time. The United States was in the midst of a civil war and there was a great need for unity and solidarity. Lincoln saw this holiday as an important opportunity to strengthen national unity and bring people together.

Before Lincoln declared Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday, some states were already celebrating their own Thanksgiving Day. However, these days were celebrated on different dates and in different states. Thanks to the efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, the idea of proclaiming Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday was adopted and it became a tradition celebrated on the same day throughout the United States.

Development of the Event

Sarah Josepha Hale's Struggle

Sarah Josepha Hale began advocating for Thanksgiving Day to be declared as a national holiday in the 1820s. Hale was the editor of the popular magazine "Godey's Lady's Book" and through this magazine, she published articles about Thanksgiving Day for many years.

In the early 1860s, Hale started corresponding with President Lincoln and insisted on the declaration of Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday. Lincoln became aware of Hale's efforts and officially declared Thanksgiving Day in 1863.

Lincoln's Proclamation

On October 3, 1863, Lincoln issued a proclamation to celebrate Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday. In this proclamation, he emphasized the need for the American people to come together in gratitude to God and in solidarity with each other. He also expressed his belief that Thanksgiving Day would strengthen national unity and provide morale during the time of the civil war.

After the proclamation was issued, Thanksgiving Day celebrations were held throughout the United States. People came together with their families, shared meals, prayed, and expressed their gratitude on this special day.

Consequences and Effects

The declaration of Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday had both short-term and long-term consequences. In the short term, this holiday achieved its goal of bringing the American people together and strengthening national unity. People gathered on this special day to express their gratitude to each other and it strengthened the sense of solidarity.

In the long term, Thanksgiving Day became an important part of American culture. Celebrated every year on the last Thursday of November, this holiday brings families together, encourages the sharing of gratitude, and emphasizes societal values.

Furthermore, the declaration of Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday also led to social and political changes. Today, Thanksgiving Day is seen as an opportunity to commemorate an important event in the history of the United States and it reinforces feelings of unity among the people.

Historical Significance and Relevance to Present Day

The historical significance of the declaration of Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday continues to this day. This holiday has become a part of American culture, providing an opportunity for families to come together, express gratitude, and show solidarity.

Thanksgiving Day also represents a turning point in American history. This holiday highlights the need for the American people to come together and unite during the time of the civil war. Today, Thanksgiving Day is seen as a symbol that strengthens national unity and solidarity.

The history of Thanksgiving Day reminds us of values such as solidarity, gratitude, and unity. These values are still important today and form the foundation of our society. Thanksgiving Day, as a tradition passed down from the past to the present, allows us to pass on these values to future generations.