Baltimore: When the Bombs Bursting in Air Gave Birth to a National Anthem
So, Congress has finally decided to stop arguing about who wore it better, the Kardashians or the Jenners, and actually, you know, do something. Like, declare war. And guess who's caught in the crossfire? Baltimore. Talk about bad timing, right?
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| What Happened In Baltimore After Congress Passed Declaration Of War |
Baltimore: Ground Zero for Patriotic Pandemonium
Now, you might be thinking, "Baltimore? Really? Wasn't that the city where they filmed The Wire?" And you'd be absolutely right! But let's rewind a few decades to when the biggest drama in town was whether the British were going to burn it to the ground.
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The year is 1812. Congress, in a fit of, let’s say, questionable decision-making, decides to declare war on Britain. And just to add insult to injury, they pick a fight with the world's most powerful navy. Classic. Meanwhile, in Baltimore, people are probably just trying to figure out where to get a decent crab cake.
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The British Are Coming! The British Are Coming! (Again)
Fast forward a bit, and the British are, indeed, coming. They decide Baltimore would be a great place to show the Americans who’s boss. So, they show up with ships, and cannons, and a serious case of attitude. Baltimore, not to be outdone, decides to put on a fireworks show of their own.
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Imagine this: You're in Baltimore, minding your own business, maybe enjoying a nice cup of tea (or, you know, whatever the 1812 equivalent of a nice cup of tea is), and suddenly, there are bombs bursting in air. Like, actual bombs. Not the kind you see on Instagram.
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Fort McHenry: The Star-Spangled Hero
Enter Fort McHenry, Baltimore's very own fortress of solitude. Or, well, not quite solitude, because it's under attack. But you get the idea. The fort holds strong, and one guy named Francis Scott Key (who, let’s be honest, probably had a better view of the fireworks than anyone), is so inspired by the sight of the American flag still flying proudly over the fort, that he writes a little poem. A poem that would later become the Star-Spangled Banner. So, thanks, Baltimore, for giving us our national anthem!
The Aftermath: More Than Just a Pretty Flag
Baltimore successfully defends itself, and the British decide that maybe invading America isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And that, my friends, is basically the story of how Baltimore became a national hero.
So, next time you're enjoying a crab cake, or binge-watching The Wire, take a moment to appreciate the city that helped shape America. And remember, if you ever find yourself under attack by a foreign power, just remember: Baltimore's got your back.
How To...
- How to become a war hero: Don't try this at home. Seriously.
- How to write a national anthem: You'll need a major life event (like a war) and a lot of inspiration.
- How to survive a bombardment: Find a really good bomb shelter. Or, you know, just be really lucky.
- How to make a crab cake: Look it up. It's delicious.
- How to appreciate history: Visit Baltimore.
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