The colors of the flag of the United States have symbolic meaning and historical significance. The flag has changed designs over the years, but the colors have remained the same. The colors red, white and blue were chosen purposefully to represent the 13 original British colonies that declared independence from Great Britain. Over time, the colors have come to stand for broader American ideals like valor, purity, perseverance and justice. Understanding the origins and meanings of the colors provides insight into American history and national identity.
The First American Flags
The first American flags were drawn up before the United States was an independent country. In 1775 at the start of the American Revolution, the Continental Congress authorized the creation of a national flag. The “Grand Union” flag had 13 red and white alternating stripes to represent the 13 colonies. The upper left corner contained the British Union Jack, reflecting that the colonies were still part of Great Britain.
In 1777, after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Congress passed the first Flag Act. This established the familiar 13 red and white stripes. It also mandated that the upper left corner would depict 13 white stars in a blue field, representing a new constellation. Congress did not specify the arrangements of the stars or the shades of colors. Flag makers used a variety of star patterns and color shades.
The Meaning Behind the Colors
The Continental Congress did not document the specific symbolism behind the flag’s colors. However, scholars believe there were clear reasons for choosing red, white and blue.
Red – The color red was associated with hardiness and courage. It signified the sacrifices and bloodshed of the revolutionary war.
White – White represented purity and innocence. It symbolized the new nation’s break from the tyranny of Great Britain’s monarchy.
Blue – The color blue was affiliated with vigilance, perseverance and justice. It reflected the colonies’ loyal but principled stand against British taxation.
Together, the red, white and blue were a bold statement of independence and national pride. The colors linked the new country to the virtues and sacrifices that brought it into being.
Standardizing the Flag’s Colors
In the early years of American independence, there was little consistency in the shades of red, white and blue used in flag making. Some flags were light blue with pale red stripes. Others were deep navy with crimson stripes. Flag makers used the pigments that were most readily available. Congress had not specified official color standards.
Things changed in 1912 when President William Howard Taft issued an executive order defining the flag’s colors. This was in response to demands from the flag industry for precise specifications. The standardized colors were:
- Red – Pantone 193 C
- Blue – Pantone 286 C
- White – no exact specification
These shades of red and blue were formulated based on the most commonly used flag colors at the time.
Color Symbolism Expands Over Time
While red, white and blue were originally chosen for the American flag based on their meanings to the 13 colonies, the colors’ symbolism expanded as the country grew.
Here are some of the ways the flag’s colors have come to represent broader American ideals over two centuries of history:
Red
- Sacrifice of veterans who served the nation in wartime
- Courage of first responders like firefighters and police
- Hard work and resilience of everyday Americans
White
- Purity and innocence of intent in American foreign policy
- Desire for freedom and equality that drove abolition, women’s suffrage and civil rights movements
- Value of honesty, ethics and transparency in government
Blue
- Vigilance of America’s intelligence services and armed forces
- Justice sought by civil liberties organizations like the ACLU
- Perseverance of explorers, inventors and entrepreneurs who expand human knowledge and achievement
The red, white and blue colors bind together shared national experiences and ideals over centuries of social progress and change.
Historical Variations in Flag Design
While the American flag’s colors have never changed, there have been 27 different versions of the flag as states were added to the union. Each flag was authorized by Congress and signed into law by the president.
Here is a summary of the major changes in flag design since independence:
| Flag Design | Dates in Use | # of Stars | # of Stripes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Union Flag | 1775-1777 | No stars | 13 |
| First flag with stars | 1777-1795 | 13 | 13 |
| 15 star flag | 1795-1818 | 15 | 15 |
| 20 star flag | 1818-1819 | 20 | 13 |
| Modern flag design starts | 1819-today | Varies by state entry | 13 |
Some key things to note:
- The 13 stripes have remained to represent the original 13 colonies
- In 1818, Congress ruled the number of stripes would stay at 13
- Since 1819, only the blue field of stars has changed with added states
- The 50 star flag has been in use the longest, since Hawaii joined in 1960
Using the Colors for Profit and Protest
As the flag became an enduring national symbol, the red, white and blue colors were incorporated into all kinds of political and commercial uses.
In political campaigns, partisan colors emerged in the 19th century linking red with the Republicans and blue with the Democrats. This was reinforced by color-coded maps in newspaper coverage of election results. The colors help brand the parties and their candidates.
Commercially, red, white and blue motifs appear on all types of consumer goods signaling patriotism. Foods like candy, soda and hotdogs often feature the colors on their packaging. Apparel like t-shirts and hats with flag designs are ubiquitous. Storefronts, vehicles and other advertising display the colors, especially around holidays like the Fourth of July.
However, the explosion of flag imagery in advertising has also spurred debate about respectful use versus misappropriation for profit. There are no laws governing proper display of flag colors and symbols in commercial goods. Misusing the flag is discouraged but not illegal.
The flag has also appeared in various forms of protest. Anti-war protestors in the 1960s burned or inverted the flag. Activists fighting for social and economic justice have substituted black or rainbow colors to critique inequality. While the flag is sometimes used to highlight dissent, the same red, white and blue colors bind these protestors to the nation’s ongoing quest for a “more perfect union.”
Long-Lasting Meaning and Inspiration
After almost 250 years, the red, white and blue of the American flag remain powerful visual symbols. The reasons for first choosing those colors may have faded from public memory. But for generations of Americans, the flag’s colors have been ingrained with meaning about sacrifice, ethics, zeal and possibility.
Looking at the flag inspires pride, courage, gratitude and determination to work toward the democratic ideals it represents. The bold, simple design ensures the flag is recognizable from afar. The red, white and blue colors are enduring signals of national identity and purpose.
Though the flag has evolved with the growth of the country, the original colors chosen in 1777 keep flying high. Their past and present meanings help strengthen American resolve to build a future that fulfills the promise of liberty and justice for all.
Conclusion
The American flag’s red, white and blue colors were intentionally selected to symbolize the 13 original British colonies that declared independence in 1777. Red represented the sacrifices and bravery in the Revolutionary War. White signified purity and breaking from monarchic rule. Blue expressed vigilance and justice in the fight against British taxes. While the flag’s layout has changed with added states, the symbolic colors have endured. They continue to inspire national pride through links to key moments and ideals in America’s ongoing journey to form a more perfect union. The flag’s colors remind citizens of the country’s origins and encourage resolve to achieve its highest principles.
