The History of National Anthems
The Star-Spangled Banner
Genesis
The lyrics to the Star-Spangled Banner were written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key, an American lawyer and amateur poet. Key was inspired to write the poem after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland, during the War of 1812. The poem was later set to music and became the official national anthem of the United States in 1931.
Deutschlandlied
Evolution
The melody of the Deutschlandlied, also known as the "Deutschlandlied," was composed by Joseph Haydn in 1797. The lyrics were written by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben in 1841. The song was adopted as the official national anthem of Germany in 1922 and remains so today.
God Save the King/Queen
Legacy
The melody of God Save the King/Queen is believed to have originated in the 17th century. The lyrics were written by Henry Carey in 1740. The song has been used as the national anthem of the United Kingdom since 1745 and is also the national anthem of several other Commonwealth countries.
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