Bell's Books and Blog January 24, 2025 -- Historical Myths, Truths & Forgotten Leaders

In this episode of the Bell's Books and Blog Podcast, Jane M. Bell provides listeners with an intriguing exploration into the untold stories of America's early leaders during the commemoration of President's Week. Focusing on legends, forgotten figures, and those who significantly impacted history, Jane starts with a critical look into George Washington's legacy, debunking popular misconceptions and embracing the historic truths about his leadership. The podcast then journeys through the incredible life story of Abraham Lincoln, detailing his evolution from humble beginnings to becoming one of America's most venerated presidents. In an interesting twist, Jane also illuminates the often overlooked contribution of the 12 presidents who led the nation before Washington took office under the U.S. Constitution. Finally, she draws inspiration from insightful quotes about perseverance from figures such as George Washington and Nelson Mandela. Jane encourages listeners to share personal stories of resilience and perseverance, emphasizing the importance of continuously learning from history.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:04):
Welcome to The Bell's Books and Blog podcast, the place
where history, mystery, and suspense converge. I'm your host, author
Jane M. Bell. Today we've got a fascinating line up
for you. As you may know, it's President's Week and
we're diving into the untold stories of America's early leaders,
the legends, the forgotten figures, and the ones who changed

(00:25):
the course of history forever. We'll kick things off with
a closer look at George Washington. Was he truly the
perfect untouchable leader history portrays or are there myths that
need debunking. Then we'll explore the incredible journey of Abraham
Lincoln from his humble beginnings as a rail splitter to
becoming one of America's most revered presidents. What forces shaped

(00:47):
him and how did he rise against the odds? And finally,
we'll delve into the fascinating tales of the presidents before
George Washington. Yes, you heard that right. There were twelve
men who led the young nation before Washington took office,
and their contributions were anything but insignificant. So sit back, relax,
and join me as we unravel these captivating historical narratives.

(01:10):
Let's get started, all right, Let's dive into our first topic.
George Washington, often hailed as the father of his country.
Washington's legacy precedes him. His status in American history is
almost mythic. But how much of what we believe is
fact and how much is pure myth? First, let's address

(01:31):
the myth that Washington was a reluctant leader, stepping up
only out of necessity. While it's true that he initially
hesitated to accept the role of Commander in chief of
the Continental Army, the reality is far more nuanced. Washington
understood the gravity of the American Revolution and the importance
of strong leadership. His strategic brilliance and commitment to the

(01:52):
cause were evident from his early military engagements, illustrating a
deep seated dedication to American independence. Next up the famous
cherry tree story. Who hasn't heard the tale of young
George Washington confessing to chopping down a cherry tree because
he could not tell a lie. This story, popularized by
biographer Mason Lockewhems in eighteen o six, is widely regarded

(02:15):
as a myth. There is no historical evidence to support it.
The anecdote was intended to highlight Washington's honesty, but in reality,
his character was revealed through his actions and decisions as
a leader, not through fabricated parables. Now let's talk about
Washington's role in the founding of the United States. It's

(02:35):
easy to think of him as a singular hero who
single handedly created the nation, but that's far from the truth.
Washington worked alongside many other influential figures like Thomas Jefferson,
Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. The establishment of the United
States was a collective effort, involving numerous founders, thinkers, and revolutionaries.

(02:56):
Washington's leadership was vital, but he wasn't alone. Another more
significant aspect of Washington's legacy is his farewell Address. Often
dismissed as merely a formality, Washington's farewell Address is in
fact a document of great importance that continues to resonate today.
Delivered in seventeen ninety six, he warned against political factions

(03:17):
and foreign entanglements, urging future leaders to prioritize unity and
national interests. His foresight about the dangers of partisanship in
external alliances remains relevant even now, serving as a timeless
warning for future governance. Lastly, Washington's broader legacy extends beyond
his military and political achievements. While his contributions to the

(03:39):
Revolutionary War and his presidency are monumental, his vision for
a democratic republic and principles of governance set crucial precedence
for future presidents. He established norms such as the two
term limit and the peaceful transfer of power, laying the
groundwork for the stability we experience today. His commitment to
a democratic republic for forged a path that has shaped

(04:01):
the enduring legacy of the United States. That wraps up
our deep dive into the myths and facts surrounding George Washington.
Up next, we'll journey through the remarkable life of Abraham
Lincoln and how he rose from humble beginnings to become
one of America's most admired leaders. Now let's turn our
focus to another towering figure in American history, Abraham Lincoln.

(04:24):
His journey to the White House was anything but predictable
and showcases resilience, determination, and sheer will power. Lincoln began
life in the most humble circumstances, Born in a log
cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky in eighteen o nine, his
upbringing was far from luxurious. His family moved frequently, searching
for better opportunities, and faced countless hardships. Despite these challenges,

(04:49):
young Lincoln had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He received
less than a year of formal education, yet he would
often walk miles to borrow books, absorbing everything from the
classics to the law. This self education laid the foundation
for his future success. Still, Lincoln faced immense struggles during
his early years. He was known for his storytelling abilities

(05:11):
and quick humor, traits that later served him well in
his political career. These early years also instilled a deep
empathy in him for the struggles of others, shaping his
views on equality and justice. Lincoln's initial foray into politics
began in eighteen thirty two, when he ran for the
Illinois state Legislature. He lost that first election, but he

(05:32):
did not let this defeat deter him. He continued to
engage in local politics, gradually building a reputation for his
public speaking skills and his ability to connect with the
common man. By eighteen thirty four, he was elected to
the state legislature, marking the beginning of his political assent.
By eighteen forty six, Lincoln shifted his focus to national

(05:54):
politics and successfully won a seat in the U. S
House of Representatives. His tenure in Congress was brief but impactful.
He spoke out against the Mexican American War and advocated
for the abolition of slavery. These stances defined his political
identity and laid the groundwork for his future campaigns. The
eighteen fifties were a tumultuous period, with the debate over

(06:17):
slavery at the forefront. During this time, Lincoln emerged as
a key figure in the newly formed Republican Party, founded
in eighteen fifty four with the primary goal of opposing
the expansion of slavery into the territories. The party found
a strong voice in Lincoln. His eloquent speeches and unwavering
principles caught the attention of many, and he quickly rose

(06:38):
as a prominent leader. In eighteen fifty eight, Lincoln participated
in a series of debates with Senator Stephen A. Douglas,
known as the Lincoln Douglas Debates. These debates were crucial,
though he lost the Senate race to Douglas, they showcased
Lincoln's remarkable ability to articulate his views on slavery and democracy,
earning him national recognition. Then came the presidential campaign of

(07:03):
eighteen sixty Despite being viewed as an underdog, Lincoln campaigned
on a platform that promised to preserve the Union and
halt the spread of slavery. The country was deeply divided
and the stakes were incredibly high. However, his message resonated
with many Americans who were fed up with political corruption
and the threat of civil war. Lincoln was elected the

(07:25):
sixteenth president of the United States, a position met with
immediate challenges. Southern states began to secede from the Union,
and soon the nation was on the brink of the
Civil War. His leadership during this tumultuous time was tested
like never before. One of Lincoln's most significant achievements was
the Emancipation Proclamation, issued in eighteen sixty three. This landmark

(07:49):
decision forever changed the course of history, declaring the freedom
of all slaves in Confederate territory. Lincoln's ability to navigate
the tumultuous waters of war while maintaining his more oral
compass defined his legacy. He was not just a rail
splitter who became president. He was a visionary leader who
inspired a nation to rise above its deepest divisions. Lincoln's

(08:11):
legacy is a testament to the power of perseverance, intellect,
and compassion. He transformed from a humble rail splitter to
one of America's most revered presidents, embodying the essence of
what it means to lead with empathy and conviction. His
journey remains an enduring example of how greatness often emerges
from the most unlikely places. Stay tuned as we delve

(08:34):
into the stories of the presidents who led the young
nation before Washington took office. You might be surprised to
learn about these largely forgotten figures who helped shape the
early United States. Let's turn our attention to a fascinating
yet often overlooked aspect of American history, the presidents who
led the nation before George Washington. Yes, before Washington took

(08:56):
the oath under the US Constitution in seventeen eighty nine,
a total of twelve men held the title of president
in a very different capacity. These leaders served under the
Continental Congress and the Articles of Confederation during the nation's infancy,
and their contributions were far from insignificant. While their powers
were limited compared to the executive role we know today,

(09:18):
these early presidents played a crucial role in navigating the
young nation through its most fragile years. They faced immense challenges,
with each man bringing his unique leadership style to the table.
Some of their names may have faded from popular history,
but their impact on the formation of the United States
remains undeniable. Let's start by discussing a few notable figures

(09:40):
from this era. First on our list is Peyton Randolph,
who served as the first President of the Continental Congress
from seventeen seventy four to seventeen seventy five. A respected
Virginian statesman, Randolph was a key figure in uniting the
colonies against British rule. His role, though mostly administrative, was
essential and set atting the stage for the revolutionary efforts

(10:02):
that followed. Next, we have John Hancock, a name you
probably recognize from the Declaration of Independence. Hancock served as
the President of the Second Continental Congress from seventeen seventy
five to seventeen seventy seven. Under his leadership, Congress formally
declared independence on July fourth, seventeen seventy six. While his
presidency was largely ceremonial, his influence and ability to rally

(10:25):
support for the revolution were undeniable. Moving on, Henry Lawrence,
who served from seventeen seventy seven to seventeen seventy eight,
is a particularly interesting figure. A South Carolinian, Lawrence was
deeply involved in negotiating foreign support for the war effort.
His tenure was fraught with challenges, and he even ended
up being captured and imprisoned by the British, making him

(10:48):
the only American president to be held as a prisoner
of war. And then there's John Jay, who served as
the President of the Continental Congress from seventeen seventy eight
to seventeen seventy nine before becoming the first Chief Justice
of the United States. Jay's focus was on diplomacy, securing
the alliances necessary to win the Revolutionary War. His contributions

(11:10):
were pivotal in negotiating the Treaty of Paris in seventeen
eighty three, which officially ended the conflict. After the Revolutionary War,
the Articles of Confederation served as America's first governing framework
from seventeen eighty one to seventeen eighty nine. During this period,
the title of president under the Articles was mostly an
administrative role with very limited powers. Yet these leaders were

(11:33):
instrumental in guiding the nation through its post war recovery
and laying the groundwork for the stronger federal government that
would come with the US Constitution. John Hanson, elected under
the Articles of Confederation, is often touted as America's first
real president. He oversaw some significant developments, including the establishment

(11:54):
of the Great Seal of the United States and the
first national Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, Elias Boudinot, who served from seventeen
eighty two to seventeen eighty three, made notable contributions to
ensure American soldiers received their due supplies and payment after
the war. Other figures like Thomas Miflin, who presided over
the ratification of the Treaty of Paris, and Richard Henry Lee,

(12:16):
who called for independence in seventeen seventy six, also played
vital roles during this transitional period. Each of these men,
despite their limited powers, contributed to the foundation upon which
our nation stands today. So why have these early presidents
been largely forgotten? The answer lies in the very nature
of their roles. The Articles of Confederation created a weak

(12:39):
central government, and the position of president during this time
had no real executive power. These early leaders acted more
as presiding officers rather than true national executives. With the
adoption of the US Constitution, the presidency became a powerful
executive role, and George Washington, as the first to hold
this newly defined position, naturally cemented his place in history. However,

(13:05):
it's essential to remember these early leaders and their contributions.
They managed war efforts, negotiated crucial treaties, and navigated the
young nation through its developmental stages. The foundation they laid
was critical to the success of the United States. So
next time someone asks who America's first president was, remember
that before Washington, there were twelve other men who led

(13:27):
the nation. Their stories may not be as well known,
but their impact on the birth of this nation is undeniable. Now,
dear listeners, let's move into a segment. I like to
call whispers from the past. Every once in a while,
it's good to pause and reflect on the timeless wisdom
of those who've come before us. Today, I want to

(13:48):
highlight two quotes that resonate deeply when we talk about
perseverance and truth, one from George Washington and another from
Nelson Mandela. George Washington once said truth will ultimately prevail
where they there is pains to bring it to light.
This quote underscores the importance of perseverance in the pursuit
of truth. Washington understood that truth isn't always easily uncovered.

(14:10):
It requires dedication, hard work, and often considerable sacrifice. His
entire life is a testament to this principle, whether on
the battlefield or in the uncharted territories of governance. Now,
let's jump forward a couple of centuries to Nelson Mandela.
He famously said it always seems impossible until it is done.
Mandela's words remind us that no matter how daunting a

(14:32):
challenge may appear, perseverance can turn the seemingly impossible into reality.
His fight against apartheid in South Africa was a monumental struggle,
filled with setbacks and hardships, Yet he never lost sight
of his goal, and in the end, he transformed a nation.
As we reflect on these quotes, I'd like you to
think about moments in your own life where you've encountered

(14:54):
seemingly insurmountable challenges. How did you push through? What strategies
are for pilosophies did you employ to keep moving forward?
I invite you to share your stories with me. Send
a message with your experiences of perseverance and resilience, whether
you overcame a personal obstacle, achieved a significant milestone, or

(15:14):
found truth amidst confusion, I want to hear your stories. Remember,
history isn't just about the past. It's about how we
draw lessons from it to shape our future. So let's
keep the conversation going. Learning from both the triumphs and
trials of those who came before us. Your stories are
just as important and can inspire others who might be

(15:35):
facing their own challenges. Well. That brings us to the
end of another captivating episode of the Bell's Books and
blog podcast. I'm your host Jane M. Bell, and I
hope you enjoyed our deep dive into the untold stories
of America's early leaders. From debunking the myths surrounding George
Washington to exploring Abraham Lincoln's incredible journey and shedding light

(15:57):
on the forgotten presidents who came before Washington, it's been
quite a ride through history. Be sure to check the
show notes for any links or articles mentioned in today's episode.
I've included resources for further reading and more information on
these fascinating topics. I encourage you to engage with me
and share your reflections. Have you ever faced challenges that

(16:18):
required the kind of perseverance and resilience we've discussed today.
Send me a message with your stories and thoughts. I
would love to hear from you. Until next time, keep questioning,
keep exploring, keep reading, and of course, keep the past alive.
This is Jane M. Bell signing off. Thank you for
tuning in to The Bells Books and Blog podcast