Introduction:
In today’s world, misinformation can spread like wildfire, mistakenly being accepted as truth. One such claim that has gained traction in recent times is the assertion that the real first president of the United States was black. However, upon closer examination and historical scrutiny, it becomes evident that this claim is nothing more than an elaborate fabrication. In our ongoing “Bullshit Busted” series, we delve into these popular misconceptions to separate fact from fiction once and for all.
The Myth Unraveled:
According to this erroneous claim, an individual named John Hanson, who reportedly held office from 1781 to 1782, was not only the first president under the Articles of Confederation but also happened to be of African descent. Proponents argue that this narrative has been deliberately omitted from the annals of history due to racist prejudices. However, let us explore why this notion is unequivocally untrue.
Historical Context:
While it is true that John Hanson served as the first president under the Articles of Confederation during a pivotal period in American history, it must be clarified that his role significantly differed from that of George Washington, who became the first president under the U.S. Constitution nearly a decade later. The Articles of Confederation were an early version of a governing document for the newly formed United States but lacked many essential powers and centralized authority.
John Hanson’s Presidency:
John Hanson’s role as “president” referred to his position as President of Congress or President of the United States in Congress Assembled (USCA) – titles which are distinct from being the President of the United States we recognize today. The USCA’s responsibility was largely administrative and ceremonial with limited executive authority; it lacked key presidential powers like vetoing legislation or acting as Commander-in-Chief.
Debunking Claims of African Descent:
Proponents of the myth claim that John Hanson was of African descent, basing this assertion on blurred lines from his portraits. However, multiple credible historical sources and documents suggest the contrary. As an individual of European descent, John Hanson’s ancestry can be traced back to Anglo-Normans from England.
Historical Records:
Digging deeper into historical archives, we find no evidence to support the idea that John Hanson was black or of African descent. Primary sources ranging from birth records to personal accounts offer no substantial proof to validate this claim. Historical consensus categorically confirms that all presidents before Barack Obama were indeed white.
Conclusion:
Despite persistent claims suggesting otherwise, it is important to separate fact from fiction when discussing the “real first president” of the United States. The myth that John Hanson was not only the first president under the Articles of Confederation but also a black man is baseless and lacks any verifiable evidence. We must strive to rely on accurate historical records and reputable scholarship to avoid propagating unfounded narratives.
As responsible citizens and proponents of truth, our duty is to recognize and debunk fallacies in history when they arise—misinformation only serves to divide us further. Adhering to accurate historical accounts fosters a deeper understanding of our shared heritage while dispelling myths that inadvertently marginalize certain communities. Let us continue in our journey for knowledge through fact-checking and dissemination of accurate information—Bullshit Busted!
