Morning Wire Podcast Summary: "The Pilgrim Legacy: From the Mayflower to Modern America"

Release Date: November 28, 2024

Host: Georgia Howe
Guest: Dr. Miles Smith, Professor of History, Hillsdale College
Presented by: Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief, John Bickley

Introduction

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Morning Wire, host Georgia Howe engages in a comprehensive discussion with Hillsdale College history professor Dr. Miles Smith about the enduring legacy of the Pilgrims and their influence on modern American culture. The episode delves into the Pilgrims' societal formation, their religious impact, and the evolving landscape of religiosity in the United States.

Composition of the Mayflower Travelers

Dr. Smith provides an in-depth look at the diverse group aboard the Mayflower, clarifying that only 30-40% were the devout Pilgrims.

Dr. Smith [00:45]: "It's a Motley Crue. About 30 to 40% are the group of people we call the Pilgrims. They're dissident English Protestants... the rest are what you might think of as working class, rough sort of working people."

The remaining passengers, derogatorily referred to by Parliament as "human offal," lacked the cultural and religious uniformity of the Pilgrims, creating an eclectic mix of individuals with minimal commonalities.

Formation of Society: The Mayflower Compact

Upon arrival, the diverse group faced the challenge of establishing a cohesive society in the unknown New World. Dr. Smith explains how they overcame potential fragmentation by drafting the Mayflower Compact.

Dr. Smith [03:02]: "They draw up a civil charter, a social and civil charter, and that's what we call the Mayflower Compact... covenant with each other under God to at least create some sort of stable society."

This compact served as the foundational governance document, merging religious and civil authority to maintain order and unity among the settlers.

Religious Influence and Cultural Assimilation

The Pilgrims, being the dominant group, influenced the cultural and religious practices of the other passengers. Dr. Smith notes that the non-pilgrim members often adopted religious behaviors to align with the leadership, despite their initial lack of enthusiasm.

Dr. Smith [04:16]: "It's more the former people who might not be particularly pious or interested in religion. They decide... I need to at least seem religious."

This dynamic laid the groundwork for New England's stringent religious environment, where church attendance was mandatory and deviations were penalized.

Life During the Voyage

The perilous journey across the North Atlantic aboard the Mayflower is highlighted as a testament to the settlers' determination despite the inherent dangers.

Dr. Smith [05:01]: "It's very dangerous... waves easily 35 to 40ft. The Mayflower is not much longer than 110, 120ft, that's a heck of a wild ride."

Despite the risks, the Pilgrims maintained a sense of mission, focusing on their divine purpose rather than succumbing to fear.

Cultural Legacy of the Pilgrims

Dr. Smith explores how the Pilgrims' establishment of a religious-centric governance influenced the expansion of Christianity in the United States, particularly in New England.

Dr. Smith [06:43]: "They're not afraid to use social and civil power to enforce religiosity. So a church going is sort of mandatory."

This enforcement led to New England having one of the largest spaces for public Christianity until the mid-19th century, contrasting with the later religious landscape of the American South.

Secularization and Regional Differences

The episode discusses the gradual secularization of New England, influenced by events like the Salem Witch Trials, and the demographic shifts that diminished the Pilgrims' strict religious control.

Dr. Smith [09:46]: "It's one of the significant factors. Another is the demographic change with people who aren't from East Anglia moving to New England."

This shift contributed to New England becoming more conformist yet less religiously uniform, paving the way for diverse religious expressions and the eventual rise of secular governance.

Modern Trends in Religiosity

Addressing contemporary religious trends, Dr. Smith acknowledges a resurgence of religiosity among younger generations, particularly young men, contrasting with previous decades of secular decline.

Dr. Smith [16:14]: "Zoomers... are more interested in religion than my generation... they recognize there's a sort of emptiness to a lot of specifically secularist claims about life."

He attributes this renewed interest to a search for meaning and the appeal of Christianity's acknowledgment of reality and beauty, suggesting that this trend may continue to shape America's religious landscape.

Conclusion

Dr. Miles Smith's insights illuminate the profound and lasting influence of the Pilgrims on American society, from the foundational governance structures to the complex interplay of religion and culture. The episode underscores the Pilgrims' role in shaping New England's historical and modern identity, while also highlighting ongoing shifts in America's religious dynamics.

Dr. Smith [18:11]: "There's some trend that some historian's gonna write a book about at some point."

As Thanksgiving approaches, Morning Wire offers a reflective exploration of historical legacies and their relevance to contemporary societal trends.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Smith [03:02]: "They draw up a civil charter, a social and civil charter, and that's what we call the Mayflower Compact... covenant with each other under God to at least create some sort of stable society."

• Dr. Smith [05:01]: "It's very dangerous... waves easily 35 to 40ft. The Mayflower is not much longer than 110, 120ft, that's a heck of a wild ride."

• Dr. Smith [06:43]: "They're not afraid to use social and civil power to enforce religiosity. So a church going is sort of mandatory."

• Dr. Smith [16:14]: "Zoomers... are more interested in religion than my generation... they recognize there's a sort of emptiness to a lot of specifically secularist claims about life."

For those interested in further exploring the history of Thanksgiving, Morning Wire links to last year's popular episode discussing the true origins of the holiday in the show description.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Morning Wire Team!