Episode Summary: “To Washington and Lincoln!”

Podcast: Hillsdale College Podcast Network Superfeed
Date: March 13, 2026
Guests: Dr. Matthew Spalding (Hillsdale College), Bethany Mandel, Larry O’Connor (WMAL)
Theme: Reflecting on America’s Founding Leaders for the Nation’s 250th Anniversary

Overview

In celebration of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary (“semiquincentennial”), Hillsdale College’s Dr. Matthew Spalding joins Larry O’Connor and Bethany Mandel to discuss the enduring legacies of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The panel explores Washington’s pivotal role in ensuring the success of the American Revolution and establishment of the Constitution, the challenges of public history and “woke” reinterpretations, and practical ways families can connect with the nation’s founding through educational and historical experiences.

Segment Highlights & Discussion Points

The Uniqueness and Indispensability of George Washington

[02:49–05:07]

• Washington’s Vital Role: Dr. Spalding contends that without George Washington, American independence’s trajectory would have been fundamentally different, if not impossible:

  “Absolutely not. The other founders clearly recognize there’s something different about this fellow…He’s clearly the key figure in all this.”
  — Dr. Matthew Spalding [03:15]

• Bridging the Revolution and Founding: Spalding emphasizes Washington’s character, including his restraint in not seizing power after military victory, resigning both his commission and presidency for the sake of constitutional government:

  "The historical fact is that, you know, prior to that time in history, it was almost always the case that the general essentially took over…But Washington didn’t do that…he deferred to the Constitution."
  — Dr. Matthew Spalding [04:15]

Debating the “Woke Creep” in Presidential Memory

[05:07–07:23]

• Concerns with Historical Revisionism: The group raises concerns about present-day reinterpretations at presidential homes (Monticello, Montpelier) and the loss of compelling storytelling in favor of politicized narratives.

  “There’s this wokeness, this revival of this crazy sentiment…They’ve lost any sense of meaning. There’s no purpose in history. History is whatever you make it.”
  — Dr. Matthew Spalding [05:51]

• Counteracting Historical Amnesia: Spalding urges telling the full, dramatic stories of the Founders, not just focusing on their negatives:

  "Tell them the story. They want to hear the story. The great story going back to Washington…it’s a great story. He did these great things. That’s what they want to hear, and they just eat it up."
  — Dr. Matthew Spalding [07:15]

The Siege of Boston and the Spring of 1776

[07:23–11:08]

• Washington’s Military Leadership: The podcast revisits the winter of 1775–76, Washington’s logistical ingenuity (transporting 60 tons of cannons from Ticonderoga), and his decisive move that forced the British to evacuate Boston:

  “Washington’s going to put [the cannons] strategically on what is called the Dorchester Heights…Once those cannons are on Dorchester Heights…he forces the British to leave Boston.”
  — Dr. Matthew Spalding [09:01]

• Historical Unknowns: Spalding reflects on Washington’s anticipation and strategic movements as he shifts the army toward New York, not knowing it would soon host the largest amphibious invasion until WWII.

  “The beauty of history is not knowing what’s going to happen…[he’s] preparing for what is going to be the hugest battle to come.”
  — Dr. Matthew Spalding [10:11]

Congress’ Paralysis and the Push Toward Independence

[11:08–14:32]

• Continental Congress’ Hesitation: While Washington is mobilizing for war, the Continental Congress remains divided, more eager to reconcile than fight.

  “Congress doesn’t want to do anything…They’re divided. They’re mostly wanting to reconcile with the British…It turns out that’s a truth over time.”
  — Dr. Matthew Spalding [11:43]

• The Pressure Mounts: Three critical events drive the colonies toward declaring independence:

  • Publication of “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine [January 1776]
  • Royal Governors Closing Colonial Legislatures
  • Discovery of British Hiring Hessian Mercenaries: Washington passes proof to Congress, intensifying the call to action.

  “He’s building the pressure on them to actually act. But they’re going to dither around all spring...as events start taking over, moving us into the spring, towards the Declaration.”
  — Dr. Matthew Spalding [12:48–13:50]

Connecting with American History in 2026

[14:32–17:00]

• Making the Most of America 250:

  • Dr. Spalding recommends families, particularly with children, immerse themselves in biography and hands-on historical experiences:
    • Visit sites like Mount Vernon, Monticello, National Archives, Boston, Newburgh.
    • Engage with battlefields and local landmarks to make history vivid.
    • Use displays, learn through stories of heroism, then move to foundational documents and deeper learning as kids mature.

  “The best way to get into a mind is to capture the imagination and history…history of great actions and events is what does it when you’re young.”
  — Dr. Matthew Spalding [16:34]

• Emphasizes the progression from narrative and biography to deeper engagement in documents, to inspire lifelong historical curiosity and appreciation.

Notable Quotes

• “It’s an amazing story. Just amazing story.”
  — Dr. Matthew Spalding on Washington’s voluntary surrender of power [05:00]

• “It’s not because we put [Washington] on Mount Rushmore that’s great. It’s because it’s a great story. He did these great things. That’s what they want to hear, and they just eat it up.”
  — Dr. Matthew Spalding [07:19]

• "The most important thing is to essentially learn biography, you know, early on...You want to learn about them."
  — Dr. Matthew Spalding [14:59]

Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 02:49 | Washington’s unparalleled role in American history | | 05:07 | Issues with “woke” reinterpretations of the founders| | 07:23 | Boston siege and Washington’s cannon gambit | | 11:08 | Congress’ reluctance & rise of independence | | 14:32 | Family recommendations for America 250 |

Conclusion

This episode uses the occasion of America’s semiquincentennial to revisit the ensuring legacy of the Founders—especially George Washington’s selfless leadership and the tumultuous events of 1776. Dr. Spalding, with his accessible yet passionate storytelling, underscores the value of historical memory untainted by presentism, and offers practical suggestions for reconnecting with the nation’s founding ideals through storytelling, biography, and firsthand encounters with history as the country celebrates 250 years.