Effect Of The Embargo On America s National Anthem

Scott, Francis Key â€Å"The rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there,† The Star Spangled Banner. The War of 1812 contained the battle of which inspired the Defense of Fort McHenry, or also widely known as the Star Spangled Banner, America’s national anthem written by Francis Key Scott. Great Britain and France had gone to war in 1803 which affected the United States despite its decision to remain neutral in the wars of European nations. Great Britain and France began to pass laws that prevented America from doing business with either nation which impacted American trade. These laws resulted in the French and British navies interfering with American ships in order to search†¦show more content†¦Due to Britain’s violations of U.S. neutrality, Congress declared war on Britain in 1812, under the influence of President James Madison. The War of 1812 had begun and although America was up against one of the world’s most powerful nations, the United States had an advantage for Britain was preoccupied with the war with France. In 1813, the United States gained control of Lake Erie with their victory at the Battle of Lake Erie which meant that the Americans controlled the route to Canada. At the Battle of the Thames River, General Harrison was able to defeat a combined force of British troops and Native Americans, ending British power in the Northwest and weakening the alliance between Britain and Native Americans for the leader of the Indians, Tecumseh, had died in battle. In 1814, Britain had won the war against France and Napoleon Bonaparte was executed meaning that Britain could focus more on the War of 1812. Their victory at war allowed the British to send better reinforcement to defeat the Americans who now had their full attention. The British attacked Washington D.C. and set fire to the White House, along with other government buildings, causing President Madison to be forced to flee. In early September 1814, the British sailed up Chesapeake Bay with plans to capture the city of Baltimore in Maryland with a naval and land attack. Vice Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane, commander of the British fleet, was set on Baltimore for it