Existing comment:
"The Star-Spangled Banner" and the War of 1812:
The War of 1812 stirred up American nationalism in the years that followed, most evident in the increased appearance of national emblems and singing of national songs.
It seem to many that the words of "The Star-Spangled Banner" had perfectly captured everything that the American flag should represent -- courage, hope, homeland and freedom. Americans looked afresh at their flag and saw in it a new sense of who they were and where they were headed.
While other patriotic songs also grew in popularity, the direct association of "The Star-Spangled Banner" with the flag and the dramatic circumstances which had inspired its writing, gave it an unassailable appeal. It spoke to moments in the War of 1812 of true heroism, not only in the defense of Baltimore, but in other battles, both on land and water. America had shown just what it was really capable of when leadership, discipline and spirit all fell into place. Indeed, never again would America fight as the underdog.
Perhaps the final word on the War of 1812 should be given to Francis Scott Key, who summed up for many the sense that America was destined for great things. :"Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land /Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation."
"The war had given the Americans what they so essentially lacked, a national character founded on a glory common to all."
-- Louis Serrier, French Minister (ambassador) to the United States, 1815 |