Shownotes
The War of 1812 is often overshadowed by the grand narratives of larger conflicts, yet it birthed significant cultural artifacts, including the U.S. national anthem.
In this bonus episode, Professor Andrew Lambert sheds light on the fascinating interplay between the war and the creation of 'The Star-Spangled Banner'. The origins of the anthem trace back to a dramatic event at Fort McHenry, where Francis Scott Key, a lawyer, witnessed the bombardment of the fort by the British navy.
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Special guest for this episode:
- Professor Andrew Lambert, a Laughton Professor of Naval History in the Department of War Studies at King's College. His books include The Challenge: Britain Against America in the Naval War of 1812
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Highlights from this episode:
- The War of 1812 saw the creation of the US national anthem
- Francis Scott Key wrote the anthem while observing the bombardment of Fort McHenry
- Baltimore's population played a crucial role in defending the city during the war
- The national anthem's tune is from an 18th-century English drinking song
- Naval power remains critically important for global trade and security, despite modern warfare changes
- The War of 1812 highlighted the significance of naval strategy in American independence efforts
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And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What is the War of 1812?
Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan?
Is America an Empire?
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