EP 94: Hidden Presidential Illnesses

This week on Hashtag History, we are discussing hidden presidential illnesses. Between the fact that most people had no idea during Franklin D. Roosevelt's lifetime that he was paralyzed from the waist down, John F. Kennedy's had chronic back pain and Addison's Disease which would lead to a heavy addiction to painkillers and anti-anxiety medications, OR that it wouldn’t be until after the death of Grover Cleveland that the nation would learn that - while he was president - he had undergone an undercover surgical operation conducted on a private yacht to remove a cancerous tumor.

Because of the pedestal that American Presidents are placed upon, oftentimes these very human illnesses and diseases are hidden from the general public. But they matter. Presidential illnesses can truly change the course of History. In fact, some Historians believe that because of Woodrow Wilson’s series of strokes (many of which he kept hidden for a long period of time), he was unable to fight harder for the United States to join the League of Nations which may have helped to prevent World War II.

This week's episode allows us the flexibility to weave through various people and various time periods. We are going to be spanning the whole length of American Presidents from 1789 to now!

Follow Hashtag History on Instagram @hashtaghistory_podcast for all of the pictures mentioned in this episode.

Citations for all sources can be located on our website at www.HashtagHistory-Pod.com.

You can also check out our website for super cute merch!

You can now sponsor a cocktail and get a shout-out on air! Just head to www.buymeacoffee.com/hashtaghistory or head to the Support tab on our website!

Finally, you can locate us on www.Patreon.com/hashtaghistory where you can donate $1 a month to our Books and Booze Supply. All of your support goes a long ways and we are endlessly grateful! To show our gratitude, all Patreon Supporters receive an automatic 15% OFF all merchandise in our merchandise store, bonus Hashtag Hangouts episodes, a shoutout on social media, and stickers!

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

- Rachel and Leah