United States History Student Edition

B

“The Star-Spangled Banner” The lyrics to the United States’ national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” originated as a poem by Francis Scott Key. Key, a lawyer and an amateur poet, witnessed the British attack on Fort McHenry outside Baltimore during the War of 1812. The American flag waving over the fort inspired Key to write his poem titled “Defence of Fort M’Henry.”

PRIMARY SOURCE: POEM

EXAMINE THE SOURCE 1. Identifying According to the lyrics of the song, how does Key feel about the flag? Cite examples to support your answer. 2. Analyzing How do you think Key’s poem depicts a growing American identity? Is Key’s work still part of the American identity today? Explain.

(t)ART Collection/Alamy Stock Photo, (b)Library of Congress [LC-M1630.3.S69 1814 (case)]

The Early Republic 291