When was the National Anthem written?

• A. On a British ship in Baltimore Harbor after the shelling of Fort McHenry, Maryland.
• B. During the battle of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812.
• C. In 1865.
• D. In 1776.

Answer: (B)

The moment being tested is when the National Anthem was written and what inspired it. Francis Scott Key composed the poem that became the anthem during the bombardment of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812. As the fighting raged and dawn broke, he observed the American flag still flying over the fort, and that sight moved him to capture the experience in verse. That verse, later set to music, captured a moment of resilience and became a symbol of the nation. So the connection is to the fight at Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, which is why this option is the best choice. The other dates don’t match the historical moment of inspiration for the song.