Podcst
25: From Lake Champlain to the “Defense of Fort M’Henry” by Prof. Greg Jackson

25: From Lake Champlain to the “Defense of Fort M’Henry”

from History That Doesn't Suck

by Prof. Greg Jackson

Published: Mon Oct 01 2018

Show Notes

“Does that star-spangled banner yet wave?”

This is the story of the worst of the War of 1812for America--the year 1814.As the threat of Napoleon’s crumbling empire subsides, the British military has more ships and thousands of men available to fight against the United States. This means Canada’s getting reinforced and the British blockade on America’s east coast is extending. But the worst of it is in the Chesapeake Bay. Washington DC is burning! As the White House goes up in flames, we’ll hear about one American who really steps up to the plate: Dolley Madison.

After this attack, the British fleet attacks yet another major Chesapeake city: Baltimore. British soldiers are eager to burn and pillage this Anglophobic city. Even with 15,000 militia in the city, only Fort McHenry can keep it safe. But will the crumbling Fort withstand the 25-hour bombardment? Do the Stars and Stripes still fly over it? Or is it the Union Jack? Francis Scott Key waits with bated breath for the answer.

____


Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices