Rebel Flags of a Troubled America

Many people who have followed the history of the Civil War can recognize that there is also a deep, underlying history represented by the rebel flags of a troubled America.

The History of Rebel Flags

There were many periods throughout the history of American when the country was troubled by the ideals that ran opposite to what most people in the United States wanted the country to stand for.  This division became most apparent during the Civil War. 

Bonnie Blue : The first Rebel Flag in America was the "Bonnie Blue", a single white star over a blue background.  This flag was used on September 11, 1810, when West Florida troops captured Baton Rouge shortly before winning its Independence.  The same flag was used by the Republic of Texas about 25 years later.  The "Bonnie Blue" represented, to many southern states, a symbolic gesture of removing their "star" from the Union.

Stars and Bars : March 4, 1861 brought the confederacy the "Stars and Bars."  The Montgomery capital raised this flag which initially had three red/white/red stripes, and several stars representing the seven Confederate States.  By December of the same year, after the addition of Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri - the total stars numbered thirteen.  Unfortunately, this flag looked so much like the Union flag that the Confederacy replaced it with the next flag in 1863.

The Battle Flag : The most well-known Confederate flag was, of course the Battle Flag.  This "Southern Cross" flag is the one printed on the top of the General Lee from the popular TV show "The Dukes of Hazzard."  This flag was used instead of the "Stars and Bars" in battle in order to distinguish it easier during battle.  Because this was the flag that saw "battle" so often, and it was the flag that Confederate troops fought and died for, it quickly came to represent the Southern "cause."  Today, this flag still represents the South.

Stainless Banner : The Confederacy continued to modify their official flag in an effort to remove confusion on the battlefield.  The new flag, adopted on May 1, 1863, was all-white with the symbol of the "Battle Flag" in the corner.  Unfortunately, this flag often appeared as a white "surrender" flag on the battlefield.

Last Confederate Flag : The Confederacy's last attempt to create an official flag was identical to the Stainless Banner, but with a red stripe at the right edge - so that, even hanging on calm days, the red stripe would remain visible.  This flag was adopted on March 4th, 1865.  The war ended thirty six days later with the surrender of the South on April 9th.

What the Rebel Flags Represent

During the Civil War, the rebel flags of the Confederacy represented revolt and turmoil to the North, but it represented independence and pride to the South.  The differences between North and South have faded over time, but undertones of those differences remain throughout all of society, especially throughout government and politics.  Even today, much of the country views the old confederate "Battle Flag" as representing a society that supported slavery and oppression.  On the other hand, another large segment of the population considers the Battle Flag as a representation of revolution against the oppressive force of a government that tries to force mandates upon society.  In the end, rebel flags are sure to live on as a very visible symbol of a very troubled period in our nation's history.

Learn more about the flags of all countries at FlagsAllCountries.com .