Debate over Confederate flag reignited

Black Lives Matter protests have reignited the debate over the Confederate flag, seen by opponents as an emblem of racism and slavery but by supporters as a symbol of their heritage and history


Rejected in 1861 as official emblem of Confederacy but adopted as battle flag by Army of Northern Virginia under General Robert E. Lee

Post-Civil War variant has become widely recognized symbol of southern U.S. states

Stars: Represent 13 states in Confederacy

Colours: Red, white and blue represent valour, purity and truth

Shape: Original flag was square


“REAL” CONFEDERATE FLAG: Confederate States of America – states that supported slave ownership and wanted to secede from United States – used three different flags during 1861-65 Civil War

Stars and Bars 1861-63. Extra stars added as more states joined confederacy

Stainless Banner 1863-65. Incorporated battle flag as canton on white field

Blood-Stained Banner
1865. Red bar added to avoid confusion with flag of truce


STATE FLAGS: Various aspects of Confederate flags incorporated

Georgia 
Mississippi


LICENCE PLATES: Several states offer specialty plates with Confederate insignia


Source: USFlag.org
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