Battle of New Orleans and The Star-Spangled Banner

The Star-Spangled Banner

• Written by a witness during the bombardment by a British ship.

• Set to a popular English tavern tune; gained rapid popularity.

Battle of New Orleans (1815)

• British aimed to capture New Orleans, threatening the Mississippi Valley.

• Commanded by Andrew Jackson, who previously defeated Native Americans at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend.

• American forces included diverse groups: sailors, regulars, pirates, Frenchmen, and militiamen from various states.

• Included two Louisiana regiments of free black volunteers (about 400 men).

American Defense

• Americans constructed entrenchments for defense.

• There was a sense of confidence among American forces despite their smaller size.

British Assault

• Overconfident British forces: 8,000 seasoned veterans.

• They launched a frontal assault on January 8, 1815, against entrenched American positions.

Outcome

• British suffered heavy losses: over 2,000 casualties compared to approximately 70 for the Americans.

• Marked an astonishing victory for Jackson and his troops and was a significant boost for American morale.