Final answer:
The Star Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814, inspired by the sight of the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry after a British attack during the War of 1812. He wrote a poem which later, set to music, became the national anthem of the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Star Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814. To incredibly simplify: during the War of 1812, Key witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships in Baltimore Harbor. Inspiringly, he saw the American flag still waving at dawn, showing that the fort had withstood the attack.
This experience moved Key to pen a poem which later became the lyrics of the Star Spangled Banner.
Step by step explanation is as follows:
- During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key was held captive on a British ship, from where he witnessed the heavy bombardment of Fort McHenry.
- Despite the heavy attack from the British, he saw that the American flag remained flying above the fort the next morning, symbolizing American resilience and courage.
- Inspired by this sight, he wrote a poem called 'The Defense of Fort M'Henry', which later became known as 'The Star Spangled Banner'.
- This poem, set to the tune of a popular English song, eventually became the national anthem of the United States.
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