USA Flag
American Flag
The United
States of America, a federal republic of 50 states, was formed when 13
British colonies in North America rose against the British government in
1775. Led by General George Washington, they defeated the troops of King
George III during the American Revolution, declaring their independence
on 4 July, 1776.
The USA flag was based on the 'Grand Union Flag', which had 13 stripes of
red and white (representing the colonies), along with the British flag of
the time in the canton. In 1777, following the achievement of
independence, the Union Jack was removed and replaced with a blue canton
containing 13 stars representing the 13 states. Two new states having
joined the union in 1795, the flag (which was now known as the
'Star-spangled Banner') was altered to comprise 15 stars and 15 stripes.
Although five more states joined the union after this date, the flag
remained unchanged until 1817, when Congress decreed that the flag should
revert to the original 13 stripes, but that new stars should be added as
the union grew. In 1818, the flag therefore had 13 stripes and 20 stars.
The most recent stars were added for Alaska (1959) and Hawaii (1960),
bringing the total number of states, and stars, on the 'Stars and
Stripes' to 50. Each state (and U.S. overseas territory) also flies its
own flag.
