six weeks that saved the nation
In the summer of 1814, America was on the brink of disaster. Just because Great Britain was defeated during the War for Independence did not mean they had given up hope of regaining their prior American colonies. And so, in 1812, America and Great Britain were once again at war. The British had succeeded in burning down most of Washington's landmarks--including the White House and the Capital, and looting and panic were widespread as First Lady Dolley Madison fled the White House, taking with her historical treasures. Now, two years later, it looked as though America would be defeated. When American forces regrouped for a last-ditch defense of Baltimore, there was no indication that America would be victorious. In the meantime, Washington lawyer Francis Scott Key found himself in the middle of the Battle for Baltimore and penned the patriotic song "The Star-Spangled Banner".