The Star-Spangled Banner

Overview

• National anthem of the United States of America.
• History dates back to September 1814.

Historical Context

• War of 1812: Conflict between the United States and Great Britain.
  • The war lasted for more than a year and a half.
  • The United States was only about 20 years old at this time.

Francis Scott Key

• A young American lawyer.
• Sent to negotiate the release of American prisoners on the British ship HMS Minden.
• Stayed for the battle due to hearing plans for an attack on Baltimore.

Battle of Fort McHenry

• Date: September 13, 1814.
• Key watched anxiously from a ship a few miles away.
• The British attacked Fort McHenry; the battle was fierce.
• Key worried that the British would win.
• The scene was dramatic, with the sunset turning the sky red.
• Overnight battle with sounds of "rocket's red glare" and "bombs bursting in air."
• In the morning, Key saw the American flag still flying, indicating victory.

Inspiration for the Anthem

• Inspired by the sight of the American flag after the battle.
• Wrote a poem on the back of a letter he had in his pocket.
• Original title: Defense of Fort McHenry.
• Poem was printed in newspapers across the country.

Adoption of the Anthem

• The poem was set to music, becoming popular.
• 1889: First adopted for official use by the Navy.
• 1916: President Woodrow Wilson ordered it played at military occasions.
• 1931: President Herbert Hoover signed the bill to officially adopt it as the national anthem.

Fun Fact

• The Star-Spangled Banner has four verses, but most Americans are familiar only with the first verse.
• Commonly sung at events like baseball games, fireworks displays, and 4th of July celebrations.