The War of 1812 tested the endurance and fighting capabilities of a young America. However, during the dark and perilous days of the war, Francis Scott Key wrote our proud, hopeful, and elegant national anthem. War and conflict plague the entire piece. Line three of the song tells us that Key sees “broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight.” A fight indicates a conflict; this case involves two separate nations fighting over various international issues. Later in the work, the idea of a conflict resurfaces through the description of the weaponry: “And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air” (Key 5). With this evidence, the reader can safely conclude that a battle raged outside the boat; thus, conflict existed. The