250 to 250: 56. “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Narrated by Sarah Longwell

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Narrated by Sarah Longwell

Sarah Longwell is publisher of The Bulwark, host of The Focus Group podcast, and bestselling author of "How to Eat an Elephant: One Voter at a Time," releasing this fall. Longwell tells us how the British bombardment of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry in 1814 inspired our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The War of 1812 was fought between the United States and Great Britain.

• On September 13, 1814, the British attacked Fort McHenry.
• The fort protected the port of Baltimore.
• The attack lasted through the night.
• Francis Scott Key watched the battle.
• The next morning, he saw the American flag still flying over the fort.
• He was happy that the United States had defended the fort.
• He wrote a poem called "The Star-Spangled Banner."
• Later, the poem was set to music.
• Many Americans liked the song.
• In 1931, Congress made "The Star-Spangled Banner" the national anthem of the United States.
• Today, Americans sing the national anthem at many public events.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 9:35. If the law requires it, are you willing to bear arms (carry weapons) on behalf of the United States?
• USCIS 100:53. What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
• USCIS 128:67. Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance. 
• USCIS 100:98. /128:123. What is the name of the national anthem?

Family Fun:

• Ben's Guide: Star-Spangled Banner: 1814
• LOC: Star Spangled Banner | resources
• NPS: Fort McHenry | Junior Ranger Activity Booklet
• NMAH: Star-Spangled Banner
• uscitizenpod: Happy National Anthem Day! | USCIS 128:123. What is the name of the national anthem? | A Citizenship Quiz for Flag Day
• Visit the Capitol: H.R. 14, An Act To make The Star-Spangled Banner the national anthem of the United States of America, April 21, 1930