The American Revolution marked a crucial turning point in the history of the United States, leading to the rise of a new nation and the need for a symbol to represent its identity. This article explores the historical development of American flags, from the unofficial continental colors to the iconic Stars and Stripes. It also delves into the meaning of these flags and their evolving symbolism over time.
Currently, there are three types of American military flags: personal flags; Service Flags; Maritime flag.
Continental colors and rattlesnake flags
After the American Revolution began, a significant event took place on January 1, 1776, when the first unofficial national flag, known as the Continental Colors or the Great Union Flag, was raised on a towering flagpole of liberty. on Prospect Hill in Charlestown (now in Somerville), Massachusetts.
This flag, with its 13 horizontal stripes, potentially in red and white or red, white and blue, featured the flag of the British Union in the canton. It served as the flag of the Continental Army and was flown on forts and warships.
During the Revolutionary War, several versions of rattlesnake flags, with the motto “Don’t tread on me,” appeared on many American colonial banners. The Gadsden flag, as well as the flag carried by the Minutemen of Culpeper County, Virginia, with the addition of Patrick Henry’s famous words “Liberty or Death,” were notable examples.
The stars and stripes
On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress officially approved the first national flag, known as the Stars and Stripes.
The Flag Resolution established that it would be composed of thirteen alternating red and white stripes, which represented the thirteen colonies, and a union with thirteen white stars on a blue field, which symbolized a new constellation.
Although the designer is not certain, Congressman Francis Hopkinson of Philadelphia is often credited with creating the pattern of stars arranged in a ring.
The Stars and Stripes made their significant appearance on September 11, 1777, at the Battle of Brandywine, where they were worn as part of the military colors.
This battle marked one of the first documented cases of the flag’s use in a military context, solidifying its role as a symbol of the United States.
Evolution of the Stars and Stripes
The Stars and Stripes underwent modifications and clarifications over time. On May 1, 1795, Congress enacted the second Flag Resolution, ordering the addition of new stars and stripes to the flag upon the admission of new states.
The first two states added were Vermont (1791) and Kentucky (1792). In particular, the “Star-Spangled Banner,” a large flag created by Mary Pickersgill, inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that later became the national anthem.
In 1818, Congress passed the third and final Flag Resolution, setting the standard that the flag should have thirteen stripes representing the original colonies, the number of stars should match the number of states, and any new stars should be added on July 4 after a state admission.
This system remains in force to this day. From 1777 to 1960, with the admission of Hawaii in 1959, there were 27 versions of the flag, mainly with changes to the arrangement of the stars. In 1912, an executive order by President William Howard Taft standardized the proportions and colors of the flag.
Symbolism and patriotism
The colors of the stars and stripes, red, white, and blue, have no official assigned meaning. However, Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress, suggested that white represents purity and innocence, red symbolizes toughness and courage, and blue means vigilance, perseverance and justice.
The flag has long been a focus of patriotic sentiment. Since 1892, millions of schoolchildren have recited the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each school day.
The national anthem, with lyrics centered on the flag, further highlights its symbolic meaning. However, debates have arisen over flag desecration laws, with arguments weighing freedom of expression against the need to protect national symbols.
Confederate flags
During the American Civil War, the Confederate States of America adopted several flags. The first, known as Stars and Stripes, was used starting March 5, 1861.
Later, the Confederate battle flag gained prominence. In May 1863, the Confederacy introduced the Stainless Flag as its first official national flag, followed by a modified version in March 1865, shortly before the end of the war.
Controversies
In the latter part of the 20th century, the display of Confederate flags on public buildings, including state capitals, became a controversial issue.
Supporters saw it as a symbol of Southern heritage and sacrifice, while opponents saw it as a reminder of racism and slavery, deeming it unsuitable for official use.
Today, the United States of America uses the Star-Spangled Banner.
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Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: ptivs2.edu.vn