1. The American National Anthem

2. Written after the defense of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812

4. Francis Scott Key 35 years old Lawyer and amateur poet Witnesses attack on Fort McHenry by British Writes poem: “Defence of Fort M’Henry” (1814)

5. The Song Set to tune of popular British song by John Stafford Smith: “The Anacreontic Song” or “To Anacreon in Heaven” Written for Anacreontic Society (men’s social club); already popular in US Set to Key’s poem and renamed “The Star- Spangled Banner”

6. The National Anthem Has 4 stanzas, only 1 is sung Known for being difficult to sing Official use by Navy (1889) and President Woodrow Wilson (1916) Congressional Resolution on March 3, 1931: becomes national anthem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1wLtAXDgqg

7. Star Spangled Banner Lyrics Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

8. Pre-Anthems (Before 1931) "Hail, Columbia" at official functions in 19 th century "Hail, Columbia" "My Country 'Tis of Thee" is de facto anthem (very similar to God Save the Queen, British national anthem "My Country 'Tis of Thee" Many songs compete after wars, including Star- Spangled Banner after the war of 1812

9. Questions (answer in notes) 1.Which of the three songs played should be the national anthem of the US? Why? 2.After what battle was the poem that became the US national anthem written?