Entry 3 The Battle of Baltimore and the Star Spangled Banner

The Battle of Baltimore and the Star Spangled Banner

After marching on Washington D.C. in August of 1814 and burning the buildings of the capital, British forces turned toward our nation’s third largest city, Baltimore.  The seasoned and formidable British army was supported by an equally seasoned and formidable British navy off the coast of Maryland.  The British assault on Fort McHenry, which stood ready to defend the water entrance to the great city, was relentless and heavy.  The war ships provided a constant barrage of fire upon the fort for over twenty five hours.  Throughout this horrific onslaught of destruction, Francis Scott Key was being “detained” on a truce ship in the harbor.  From this vantage point he could see all the terrible destruction that was being rained down upon the fort.  It was after the Battle of Baltimore upon seeing that Fort McHenry was still standing and had not surrendered that Mr. Key composed his patriotic poem “The Star Spangled Banner”.   (Content)

As a group we will discuss what it means to be patriotic.  (standard, 5.1.1.F, 5.2.2.D, 5.4.2.A, 8.1.2.B, 8.1.2.C, 8.3.2.B)    What does it mean to be patriotic?  (DOK1) What are some ways that a citizen can demonstrate patriotism? (DOK2)  How did Mr. Key’s act of patriotism compare to the patriotism shown by the brave soldiers defending the fort? (DOK3)  Do you think the poem would have been as moving and patriotic if Francis Scott Key had not been able to witness the battle? Explain. (DOK 4)  

After the teacher reads, “The Star Spangled Banner” aloud as a poem, students will write patriotic poems.  Students will be provided with visual images of national monuments and patriotic symbols to help inspire ideas for poetry about patriotism. (Creative Activity)   

Domain 1a,1b,1c,1d, 2a,2b,3a,3b,3c,3e