Star-Spangled Banner: National Anthem History — Reading Comprehension

The Star-Spangled Banner became the United States' national anthem because of both historic events and national debates. During the War of 1812, the United States and Great Britain fought for control of territory and power. The British navy attacked Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 13, 1814. The fort's defenders, made up of American soldiers and local militia, faced a relentless bombardment that lasted twenty-five hours. Despite the overwhelming pressure, the American flag remained flying over the fort at dawn, which became a powerful symbol for the nation.

Francis Scott Key, an American lawyer and amateur poet, witnessed the battle from a British ship where he was negotiating the release of a prisoner. Key anxiously watched the bombardment, wondering if the fort would fall. When he saw the American flag still flying in the morning, he was inspired to write a poem. He titled it "Defence of Fort M'Henry." The poem's first lines—'O say can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming'—express his relief and pride. This primary source demonstrates the emotional impact of the event on those who witnessed it.

The causes behind the anthem's creation were complex. Some Americans saw the War of 1812 as a fight for independence and national honor. Others, especially critics of the war, questioned its necessity and the suffering it caused. For the soldiers at Fort McHenry, defending the fort was about protecting their homes and country. For enslaved people in Maryland, the war presented both danger and the possibility of escape, as the British sometimes offered freedom to those who fled. These different perspectives show that the anthem's story is not just one of patriotism, but also one of conflict and contradiction.

The adoption of the Star-Spangled Banner as the national anthem happened much later. For decades, Americans sang many patriotic songs, such as "Hail, Columbia" and "My Country, 'Tis of Thee." The Star-Spangled Banner gained popularity, especially at military and patriotic events. However, some people objected to its difficult melody and the fact that its lyrics focus on war. Supporters argued that the anthem represented national resilience and unity. In 1931, after years of debate and pressure from veterans' groups, President Herbert Hoover signed a law making the Star-Spangled Banner the official national anthem. This decision solved the problem of having no single, shared anthem for the United States.

The consequences of this decision were significant. The anthem became a symbol of American identity and pride. Yet, it also sparked controversy. Some Americans, including athletes and activists, have criticized the anthem or protested during its performance, arguing that its promises of freedom and justice are not fully realized for all. These debates show that national symbols can unite and divide people, depending on how they are interpreted and experienced.

The history of the Star-Spangled Banner demonstrates the importance of examining multiple viewpoints and understanding the evidence behind our traditions. By analyzing primary sources like Francis Scott Key's poem, historians learn not just what happened, but why it mattered to different groups of people.

Interesting Fact: The original flag that inspired the anthem is over 200 years old and is preserved at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Who wrote the Star-Spangled Banner poem?

Where did the British attack in 1814?

When was it made the national anthem?

Why did Key write the poem?

What is one criticism of the anthem?

Who objected to the War of 1812?

The Star-Spangled Banner is about war. True or false?

What does 'resilience' mean?