The Star Spangled Banner from 1814 to the Present is a study of the writing and subsequent history of America's national anthem. It also includes details on the anthem's first publication as a poem, its later adaptation to music, the background of the music, when it was first sung, the development of its popularity after 1815, its various musical arrangements, and the efforts to adopt it as America's national anthem, as well as the inspirational meaning which it has held for successive generations of Americans and newcomers to these shores. Contents: Introduction The Star Spangled Banner as Flag The Star Spangled Banner as National Anthem Circumstances Surrounding the Writing of the Star Spangled Banner The Star Spangled Banner's First Appearance in the Press Media The Poetic Message The Background of the Music The Tune Early Musical Arrangements The Development of the Star Spangled Banner's Popularity The Star Spangled Banner During the Civil War The Star Spangled Banner Between 1865 and 1889; its Continued Growth in Popularity During the Post-Civil War Era, and the Beginning of the Trend Toward its Official Recognition Adoption of the Star Spangled Banner by the Navy and the Army Public Reaction to the Military Recognition of the Star Spangled Banner Proposed Standardization of the Star Spangled Banner The Efforts to Adopt the Star Spangled Banner as the National Anthem of the United States of America Criticism and Defence of the Star Spangled Banner The Star Spangled Banner Between the Time of its Congressional Recognition as the National Anthem and the Present Epilogue Appendices Bibliography