what does the star spangled banner song mean

Much of that belief was based in his assessment that blacks were, “a distinct and inferior race of people.”ĭuring the War of 1812, some slaves escaped to join the British army in the war against the United States because the British promised freedom from slavery in exchange. It is well-documented that Key hated the abolitionists of his time, and wielded his legal acumen to stifle the abolitionist movement in Maryland. As an adult and slave owner himself, he adopted and reflected the mindset of the times, and through career as lawyer and U.Sa attorney for the District of Columbia, thwarted any potential threat to his life of privilege and to the system of slavery. Born into 18th century aristocracy and privilege on his family’s plantation in Maryland, it was his birthright to uphold that legacy of wealth and social status, along with the family’s way of life, which included owning several slaves.

What many of us have not learned in school is more about the character of the man, the poet of our national anthem. The poem’s original name was “The Defence (sic) of Fort M’Henry ” the name was changed when it was later set to music. American troops at Fort McHenry withstood the night’s British attack during the Battle of Baltimore.

14, 1814, Key was moved to write a poetic tribute to the American flag still intact and waving in the wind, fog and rain. We learn in elementary school that the “Star Spangled Banner” was a poem written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, and that at dawn on Sept.

What does the star spangled banner song mean