Washington, Adams, and Smallpox: An MHS Interview

In this episode of Math! Science! History!, Gabrielle Birchak speaks with Dr. Kanisorn Wongsrichanalai of the Massachusetts Historical Society about the hidden epidemic that shaped the American Revolution. While battles raged, smallpox quietly threatened to destroy the Continental Army and colonial communities. From George Washington's controversial order to inoculate his soldiers to Abigail Adams's letters describing her family's ordeal, this conversation reveals how trust in science, courage, and collective action helped secure America's future. Three Things Listeners Will Learn: How smallpox ravaged North America during the Revolutionary War and why it was considered more dangerous than the battlefield. Why George Washington's decision to inoculate the Continental Army may have saved the Revolution. How Abigail and John Adams's letters reveal the fears, risks, and resilience of ordinary families facing inoculation. Resources & Further Reading: Massachusetts Historical Society Massachusetts Historical Society – Adams Family Papers Mount Vernon – George Washington and Smallpox Inoculation Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – History of Smallpox WHO – Eradication of Smallpox   🔗 Explore more on our website: mathsciencehistory.com 📚 To buy my book Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life on Amazon, visit https://a.co/d/g3OuP9h  🌍 Let's Connect! Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mathsciencehistory.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/math.science.history Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mathsciencehistory  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/math-science-history/  Threads: https://www.threads.com/@math.science.history  Mastodon: https://[email protected] YouTube: Math! Science! History! - YouTube Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mathsciencehistory  🎧 Enjoying the Podcast? ☕ Support the Show: Coffee!! PayPal Leave a review! It helps more people discover the show! Share this episode with friends & fellow history buffs! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform Check out our merch: https://www.mathsciencehistory.com/the-store Music: All music is public domain and has no Copyright and no rights reserved. Selections from The Little Prince by Lloyd Rodgers 🎵 Audio Editor: Podcast mixed by David Aviles Until next time, carpe diem!