Historical Background
Moses in History
From the Exodus to the White House — how one ancient figure shaped the Founding Fathers, the Constitution, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights movement.
3,500 Years of Influence
From the Exodus to the White House — how one ancient figure shaped the Founding Fathers, the Constitution, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights movement.
The Central Question
Moses has been referenced by America's greatest leaders throughout history — from the Pilgrims crossing the Atlantic to modern presidents addressing the nation.
What does a man who lived 3,500 years ago have in common with the United States? This site explores that question across seven chapters of American history, with every claim fully referenced.
Read the introduction →
The Pilgrims saw themselves as a "New Israel," their voyage as a new Exodus, and their leaders as new Moseses guiding them to a promised land.
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Two thirds of Washington's eulogies called him "America's Moses." Franklin, Adams, and Jefferson all drew directly on the Moses story when building the new republic.
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On July 4, 1776, Congress commissioned a national seal. Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin chose Moses leading the Israelites as its central symbol.
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Harriet Tubman was called "A Moses of her people." After Lincoln's assassination, he was widely eulogized as a second Moses and liberator.
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MLK used the Exodus story throughout his career, from Montgomery in 1957 to his final "Mountaintop" speech the night before his assassination.
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Truman, Reagan, Clinton, Bush, and Obama all invoked the Moses symbol in speeches. Obama called his supporters "the Moses generation."
Read more →Portrait
John Adams — 2nd President
As much as I love, esteem, and admire the Greeks, I believe the Hebrews have done more to enlighten and civilize the world. Moses did more than all their legislators and philosophers.John Adams · Private letter, 1809
A Timeline
