The American Idea
The American Idea
Ashbrook Center
Thomas Willing: The Revolution’s Forgotten Financier
36 minutes Posted Mar 11, 2026 at 11:31 am.
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When we think of the American Revolution, we usually consider the ideas and animated the patriots and those leaders who organized and directed the war. Largely forgotten in all of this is a simple question: how was it all financed? And who did it?

Thomas Willing, one of the most prominent merchants of the Middle Colonies, was at the forefront of solving the logistical and financial problems that plagued the American cause from the outset. Why, then, is he overlooked in all mainstream histories?

Jeff meets with author Richard Vague to discuss Willing’s place in American Founding. You can get his book about Willing here: https://a.co/d/05py4B72

Host: Jeff Sikkenga

Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton

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