Francis Scott Key

Definition

Francis Scott Key was an American lawyer, author, and amateur poet who is best known for writing the lyrics to the national anthem of the United States, 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' His poem was inspired by the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy during the War of 1812.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Francis Scott Key witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy during the War of 1812 and was inspired to write the poem that would become the lyrics to the national anthem.
2. Key was a lawyer and amateur poet who was on a mission to negotiate the release of a prisoner of war when he observed the bombardment of Fort McHenry from a British ship.
3. The poem, originally titled 'The Defence of Fort M'Henry,' was first published in a Baltimore newspaper on September 20, 1814, and later set to the tune of a popular British drinking song.
4. The Star-Spangled Banner was officially designated as the national anthem of the United States in 1931, though it had been widely used and recognized as such for decades prior.
5. The lyrics of the national anthem reflect the patriotism and resilience of the American people in the face of adversity during the War of 1812.

Review Questions

• Explain the historical context in which Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to the Star-Spangled Banner.
  • Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to the Star-Spangled Banner during the War of 1812, while witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British Royal Navy. Key was on a mission to negotiate the release of a prisoner of war when he observed the attack on the fort from a British ship. The poem, which was later set to music, captured the patriotism and resilience of the American people in the face of this adversity, and it eventually became the national anthem of the United States.
• Describe the role of Fort McHenry in the events that inspired the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner.
  • Fort McHenry played a crucial role in the events that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the lyrics to the Star-Spangled Banner. The fort successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from the British Royal Navy during the War of 1812, withstanding a 25-hour bombardment. Key, who was on a British ship at the time, witnessed the resilience of the American forces at Fort McHenry and was inspired to write a poem that would later become the national anthem, celebrating the enduring spirit of the United States in the face of foreign aggression.
• Analyze the significance of the Star-Spangled Banner as a symbol of American patriotism and national identity.
  • The Star-Spangled Banner has become a powerful symbol of American patriotism and national identity. The lyrics, written by Francis Scott Key during a pivotal moment in the War of 1812, capture the resilience and determination of the American people in the face of adversity. The anthem's enduring popularity and official designation as the national anthem in 1931 reflect its deep-rooted connection to the American spirit and the country's history of overcoming challenges. The Star-Spangled Banner serves as a unifying symbol that represents the shared values and collective identity of the United States, making it a cornerstone of American national pride and identity.

Related terms

The War of 1812: The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as their respective allies, which lasted from 1812 to 1815.

Fort McHenry: Fort McHenry is a historic American coastal pentagonal bastion fort located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is best known for its role in the War of 1812, where it successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from the British Navy.

The Star-Spangled Banner: The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States. The lyrics were written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812 and were later set to the tune of a popular British drinking song.