Francis Scott Key wrote the poem that became the Star-Spangled Banner after witnessing which event?

Francis Scott Key wrote the poem that became the Star-Spangled Banner after witnessing which event?

• A. The bombardment of Fort McHenry
• B. The signing of the Treaty of Ghent
• C. The Battle of New Orleans
• D. The Battle of Lake Erie

Answer: (A)

Francis Scott Key’s poem grew out of a moment during the War of 1812 when he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry. He watched British ships shell the fort overnight, and at dawn he saw the American flag still waving above it. That sight inspired him to write verses about the defense and endurance of the fort, which were later put to music and became the Star-Spangled Banner. The other events listed—signing of the Treaty of Ghent, the Battle of New Orleans, and the Battle of Lake Erie—were not the moment that sparked this poem.

Francis Scott Key’s poem grew out of a moment during the War of 1812 when he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry. He watched British ships shell the fort overnight, and at dawn he saw the American flag still waving above it. That sight inspired him to write verses about the defense and endurance of the fort, which were later put to music and became the Star-Spangled Banner. The other events listed—signing of the Treaty of Ghent, the Battle of New Orleans, and the Battle of Lake Erie—were not the moment that sparked this poem.