Date
12-2020
Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree
Master of Arts in History - Thesis (MA)
Chair
Cary Roberts
Keywords
Francis, Key, Race, Slavery, Anthem
Disciplines
History | United States History
Recommended Citation
Richie, Jonathan A., "He Rode Alone: Francis Scott Key as an Advocate for Freedom" (2020). Masters Theses. 691.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/691
Abstract
Recently Francis Scott Key and the Star Spangled Banner have come under increasing historical scrutiny. Claims and allegations of racism and hidden meanings behind the poem have abounded and even led to statues being torn down across the nation. But what is the truth? In reality Francis Scott Key's record on race and slavery is dramatically more complex than the critics would suggest. Indeed, Key spent nearly 40 years of his life advocating in court for the freedom of slaves in Washington DC.
