What event inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner"?

Betsy Ross sewing the first American flag raised during a time of war

the British bombardment of Baltimore

the British burning of Washington, DC

the naval battle between the Leopard and the Chesapeake

The British bombardment of Baltimore

Explanation:

The lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner" were written by Francis Scott Key, a 35 year-old lawyer and unexperienced poet. He witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Chesapeake Bay in Baltimore, Maryland, during the 1812 war. On September 13th, 1814, he visited the bay in order to release Dr. William Beanes, who had been captured after the British burning of Washingon, DC. Key succeeded in releasing Beanes, but on that night he was captured while Fort McHenry was under attack. Early the next morning, he was so happy to see the American flag flying over the fort that he started writing a poem to celebrate it. The song became popular in the U. S. and it was sung under the melody of To Anacreon in Heav'n.