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The creator of America’s much-loved anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner" was not only a poet, but a celebrated lawyer, known for settling controversial disputes with oratorical skill. However, Francis Scott Key never mentioned the anthem after writing it again. He was also known for his adamant representation of African Americans and their rights. Listen to this public radio story to learn more about the man who is best known for writing “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Story Length: 15:39
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April 9, 2016
3:30
The War of 1812 between the United States and Britain is typically framed as a second war for independence. Less commonly known is the story of American slaves who were able to use the war as an opportunity to negotiate their freedom. Slaves in Maryland immediately recognized the British invasion as a chance to escape slavery. Initially, the British offered land in Canada or the West Indies to escaped slaves who were willing to offer intelligence or help as guides. Listen to learn more about how enslaved African Americans were able to negotiate their freedom during the War of 1812, and how this impacted the institution of slavery in the United States.
Read MoreNovember 12, 2015
5:53
The battles of Lexington and Concord started the Revolutionary War in 1775. Archaeologists have recently found 240 year old musket balls that were shot in the first battles of the Revolution. The Colonial and British musket balls are from the second battle at Minute Man Park in Lexington, where Captain Parker fought the British and caused them to retreat. With this discovery, people are broadening the area where they thought this battle took place. Although it’s hard to determine exact details, new technology helps archaeologists find out what happened at this site so long ago. Listen to hear more about what can be learned about the start of the American Revolution.
Read MoreJuly 3, 2014
5:52
The Magna Carta is a single document that outlines the origins of American freedom and equality. It was created in 1215 by British subjects who wanted to limit King John’s power and protect their rights. The Magna Carta inspired American democracy. Listen to this story to learn more about why it survived so many years and its special significance to Boston.
Read MoreDecember 4, 2013
4:26
Slavery is a horror of history. The capture and transportation of human beings from Africa to North America through the Middle Passage is an experience that is hard to imagine. First-person slave narratives were the first honest account of the experience and were used by the abolitionist movements in Britain and the United States to show the reality of slavery. Listen to learn more about the first-person account of freed slave Olaudah Equiano, shared in his autobiography in 1789.
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