The Evolution of National Anthems: From British Influence to American Identity

The United States of America has its fair share of musical and cultural imitations, and its national anthem, 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' is no exception. This article explores the origins of the anthem and the influence of British music on American patriotism, highlighting the significance of lyrics, melody, and identity in shaping national anthems.

Origins of the Music

Everything musical seems to have a precursor, at least in terms of melody and tune.

1. USMC Hymn and Genevieve de Brabant:

The US Marine Corps hymn, for instance, is known to have its roots in the opera piece 'Genevieve de Brabant.' This early indication of American borrowing from European classical music highlights the cultural bridge that existed between the two countries during the formative years of the United States.

2. La Marseillaise and French Folk:

Another prime example is the French national anthem, 'La Marseillaise.' Initially, it was a popular folk tune in Spain, which eventually became a symbol of revolutionary fervor. This transformation underscores how melodies can be adapted and reinvented to serve new purposes, including expressing national pride and unity.

When we look at the early days of the United States, the British influence on music is quite evident. The songs chosen for patriotic expressions often reflected this heritage. For example, the British descendants among the original 13 colonies would naturally gravitate toward familiar tunes, making it more about the lyrics and their meanings than the melodies themselves.

The Battle of Antietam and Ancestry

A poignant visit to the Antietam National Cemetery provides insight into the early days of the United States and the diversity of its population. Located near Sharpsville, MD, the cemetery holds the graves of around 5,000 soldiers from the Battle of Antietam in 1862, along with veterans from nearby engagements. This visit unveiled a fascinating pattern in the surnames of these soldiers.

1. Predominantly British Ancestry:

Among the 5,000 soldiers buried in the cemetery, the vast majority of surnames were English, while only a few were of German or French descent. The names that were not English were predominantly Scottish, Irish, or Welsh. This observation points to the then-predominant British ancestry of many Americans.

2. Post-Revolution Legacy:

These men died 76 years after the Declaration of Independence, fighting as combat soldiers for the Union. They exemplify the young men of America in that era, most likely born after 1830 and within the United States. This further emphasizes the colonial roots of the American populace and the British influence on national identity.

Changing Demographics and National Anthems

One can witness the changing demographics of a nation through its memorials and national anthems. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. serves as a powerful example of this change.

1. Diverse Names at the Vietnam Memorial:

Upon the memorial, which lists the names of roughly 58,000 war dead, the surnames are much more diverse. Most of these individuals were born mostly during the 1930s and 1940s. This reflects the increasing diversity of the American population over time, a stark contrast to the predominantly British ancestry found in the earlier cemetery.

2. Conclusion:

From the British-influenced tunes of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' to the more diverse names at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the evolution of national anthems and memorials reveals a changing national identity. The American Revolution, in essence, was a civil war between two parts of a single empire, not a war pitting disparate nations against each other. This aligns with the enduring British cultural legacy that shaped early American cultural products.