What inspired the lawyer from washington, francis scott key, to write the star spangled banner? a. the british troops retreat from north point after they were unable to take on fort mchenry b. the sight of the american flag hoisted at fort mchenry even after being under attack for over 24 hours c. the sight of the american flag hoisted atop the white house even as the british troops burned it down d. the us troops advancing on new orleans after general jackson’s men defeated the british troops