Posted on 09/14/2014 11:45:13 AM PDT by Whenifhow
This weekend marks the 200th anniversary of the writing of The Star-Spangled Banner. Over the years, many debates have surrounded the national anthem involving its meaning, its quality and the circumstances under which Francis Scott Key came to write it. Before you hear Oh say, can you see at the next ballgame or school assembly, make sure youve dispelled these myths first.
1. The Star-Spangled Banner was written about an insignificant battle in an insignificant war.
The nations future was at stake in 1814, with the US on the brink of defeat in the third year of the War of 1812, a conflict with Britain that would determine the future of the North America. The battle for Baltimore took place three weeks after the British captured Washington , leaving the Capitol, the White House and virtually every other federal building a smoking ruin.
With President Madisons government on the run, the U.S. treasury bankrupt and British forces preparing an attack from Canada to sever New England from the rest of the country, there was widespread fear that another defeat could force the collapse of the government and the dissolution of the Union.
Yet the US escaped disaster largely because the repulse of the British at Baltimore and the concurrent U.S. victory at Lake Champlain forced Britain to drop harsh peace terms. For many Americans, this second war of independence created a feeling of national unity that had not truly existed a fitting moment for the nations anthem to emerge.
2. The anthem is a celebration of war.
3. Key was too far from Fort McHenry to see anything, let alone the flag.
4. We should make America the Beautiful our anthem.
5. The flag flying over Fort McHenry during the bombardment is on display at the Smithsonian.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Maryland “Freak State” PING!
The last verse is my favorite!
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