Did the Civil War Really Create Santa Claus? (Visual History Podcast)

Discover how Thomas Nast, the “Father of American Cartoons,” shaped the modern image of Santa Claus during the Civil War.

This documentary podcast episode explores Nast’s powerful illustrations in Harper’s Weekly, where he transformed St. Nicholas into a symbol of hope, unity, and national identity. From wartime propaganda to holiday tradition, learn how Nast’s art connected soldiers at the front with families at home and forever changed the way Americans imagine Christmas.

Perfect for fans of visual history podcasts, Civil War storytelling, and holiday traditions, this episode blends cultural history with emotional narrative.