Summary
Highlights
Franklin's commitment to the American Revolution caused a deep rift with his son, William, who remained loyal to the British Crown and was imprisoned by American forces. Benjamin refused to use his influence to free his son, and their relationship never recovered. In his final years, Franklin served as America's first ambassador to France, where he became a celebrity and a fashion icon. He died rich on April 17, 1790, leaving most of his vast estate to his daughter, Sarah, and notable sums to the cities of Philadelphia and Boston. Despite popular belief, he was never president, a fact that humorously contributes to the "Mandela effect." He was also known for his unusual habit of taking "air baths," believing nudity in front of an open window was good for his health.
Bailey concludes by summarizing the episode's main point: the Founding Fathers were complex individuals with flaws and questionable actions, not infallible figures. She encourages listeners to view history with a critical eye, recognizing that both their revolutionary ideas and their morally ambiguous behaviors are part of their legacy. The episode ends with a pop quiz, asking which Founding Father was a foodie and brought mac and cheese to the White House (Thomas Jefferson), and a segment where Bailey reads listener comments and suggestions.
Washington's legacy includes being a spy master and a two-time unanimous choice for president. He survived numerous diseases throughout his life but died from a simple cold, exacerbated by the archaic medical practice of bloodletting, which removed 40% of his blood. A significant myth surround his will, where it is often believed he freed all his enslaved people. In reality, they were not freed until Martha's death, and many were inhumanely separated from their families. Only one man, Billy Lee, was freed during George Washington's lifetime. His famous (non-wooden) teeth were extracted from his enslaved workers.
Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, is introduced as a complicated and influential figure. Known for popularizing foods like ice cream and mac and cheese in America, he was also a polymath interested in architecture, archaeology, botany, and music. Despite a speech impediment, he was highly intelligent and excelled in school. Like Washington, he lost his father at a young age, leading to resentment towards his mother and sisters, as he was burdened with managing family affairs without full control of his inheritance until age 21.
Jefferson married the wealthy widow Martha Skelton. They had six children, but only two survived to adulthood. Martha's early death led Thomas to promise he would never remarry. This period also highlights Jefferson's hypocrisy: while publicly advocating for the abolition of slavery and even assisting enslaved people seeking freedom, he owned over 600 enslaved individuals. This includes his relationship with Sally Hemmings, his deceased wife's half-sister and an enslaved woman, with whom he had six children. The power imbalance and Sally's young age (14 when their relationship began) demonstrate the problematic nature of this arrangement.
Thomas Jefferson's controversial relationship with Sally Hemmings became a scandal during his presidential campaign against John Adams, damaging his reputation but ultimately not preventing his two terms as president. He died on July 4, 1826, the same day as John Adams and the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson's legacy includes reducing national debt and founding the University of Virginia. However, Bailey emphasizes the need for proper acknowledgment of his complex history with the Hemmings family, particularly the ethical issues surrounding his ownership of enslaved people and his relationship with Sally.
Benjamin Franklin, an older and significantly wealthy Founding Father, is introduced. The common story of him discovering electricity with a kite is debunked as a myth. Franklin was a polymath: a writer, businessman, scientist, inventor, diplomat, and politician. Born in Boston in 1706 as the 15th of 17 children, he was self-taught and began working in his older brother's newspaper print shop at age 12. His wit and writing talent were evident early on, as he secretly published satirical letters under the pseudonym 'Miss Silence Dogood,' fooling Boston readers and even receiving marriage proposals.
Franklin's entrepreneurial spirit led him to Philadelphia, where he became a successful printer and publisher of the "Pennsylvania Gazette" and "Poor Richard's Almanac," making him one of Pennsylvania's wealthiest men. He was also a provocateur, deliberately stirring discord with authority. A pivotal moment was his leaking of letters from the Massachusetts governor to Parliament, which exposed anti-colonial sentiments and contributed to the Boston Tea Party. When exposed, his defiant stance further fueled the burgeoning revolutionary spirit, leading to his eventual dismissal by the British, solidifying his commitment to the American cause.
Bailey Sarian introduces 'Dark History,' a podcast exploring historical facts often omitted from textbooks. She highlights how many common stories about the Founding Fathers are myths and sets the stage to uncover their true personalities and the often-overlooked aspects of their lives. This episode marks the beginning of Season 3, promising a deep dive into the lives of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, revealing their eccentricities and darker secrets.
Bailey debunks popular myths about George Washington, including the wooden teeth (they were made from human and animal teeth) and the cherry tree fable (invented by Mason Weems). She reveals his natural red hair and his childhood as an upper-middle-class Virginian whose education was cut short after his father's death. His half-brother, Lawrence, became a significant mentor, introducing him to military life before Lawrence's untimely death from tuberculosis, leaving George Mount Vernon.
George Washington's military career began at age 20, leading to an accidental trigger of the French and Indian War. Despite this initial blunder, he became a renowned military strategist during the War of Independence. His personal life included an unrequited love for his best friend's wife, Sarah Fairfax, and his marriage to the wealthy widow Martha. They had no biological children but raised Martha's two children. George was also known for his love of dancing and his numerous dogs, including 'Sweet Lips' and 'Drunkard'.