What is the national anthem of the United States?

The national anthem of the United States is "The Star-Spangled Banner." This piece holds significant historical importance as it was written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812. It was inspired by the sight of the American flag flying over Fort McHenry after a night of bombardment by British forces. The song was officially designated as the national anthem in 1931, encapsulating themes of resilience and patriotism.

Other options, while they are well-known American songs, do not serve as the national anthem. "America the Beautiful," for example, is a beloved patriotic song that celebrates the beauty of the country, but it has not been designated as the national anthem. Similarly, "God Bless America," written by Irving Berlin, is a popular patriotic song often sung at national events but is distinct from the anthem. "My Country, 'Tis of Thee," also known as "America," is another patriotic song with deep ties to American history, but it is not the anthem recognized by the U.S. government.