American National Anthem
Highlights
- America had conceded defeat in the war
- The national anthem of the country was declared on 3 March 1931.
- There was also a war between the two countries in 1812.
American National Anthem: Millions of Indians have been living in America for many years. In this way our culture is being exchanged. We are going to tell you a story related to this culture which is related to the honor of America. Let us tell you that the national anthem of America has a special relation with Mumbai. You will be surprised to hear this but it is true. Today’s Mumbai used to be Bombay at one time, which is related to the national anthem of America. Historians always mention about this national anthem. Till a few years ago, probably many people did not even know how the national anthem of America was written on a ship in Mumbai, so let us tell you in detail this time.
The White House was burnt by the British Army
When America gained independence in September 1814, it had to fight a war with Britain. There was also a war between the two countries in 1812. The war created new borders between Canada and the United States. The British Army was powerful at that time. On August 24, 1814, Washington rioted and Capitol Hill, the White House and the Ministry of Finance were burned. After this, from 11 to 13 September, the British army moved from here towards the port of Baltimore. Before this war, a local magistrate, Doctor William Beans, was imprisoned along with some of the men. But one person escaped from the jail. It was Doctor Beans who was captured by the British commander. Two of his friends, a lawyer, Francis Scott Key and Colonel John Stuart Skinner, begged the British for his release. The commander agreed but held them both captive along with some Americans on a ship of his army. The ship was named HMS Minden and was held captive until the end of the war. The commander had taken them captive so that no one would inform the American army about the British forces. There was a fierce war going on at that time, during which the Americans saw bombings every day. The condition of the Americans was worsened by the British Army, at one time it seemed that America could surrender.
How was the US national anthem written?
The war between the two countries had reached a turning point. America had accepted defeat in that war. When he came to know about this news, he wrote some words for his country on the same ship. He completed this poem after coming back to America. It was also printed but no one’s name was on it. This poem was published under the title ‘The Defense of Fort M’Henry’. The poem was published on September 20, 1814, and then became America’s most popular song. It was officially declared the national anthem of the country on 3 March 1931.
How Mumbai Connection?
Now you must be thinking that when the poem was written on the ship, then Mumbai, which was Bombay at that time, how did it come in the middle. HMS Minden was built in Mumbai by the Wadia family. It was the same famous Parsi family that owned Duncan Dock in Bombay Harbour. Today this dockyard has become an active dockyard of the Indian Navy. HMS Mynadon was the first ship built from India and commissioned into the Royal Navy. This ship has seen changes in the history of the world including the War of 1812. The ship was eventually retired to Seamen’s Hospital in Hong Kong, describing it as ‘too old’ for service. The ship was wrecked and turned into junk. So if you are an Indian and if you ever see the American flag waving along with the national anthem, don’t forget to remember the connection to Bombay, we mean Mumbai.
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