[jmcenanly]

The battle flag that is currently the subject of this brouhaha is the third battle flag. The first one had two horizontal red stripes on either side of a single white stripe, with a blue field in the upper corner, with seven stars arranged in a ring. Unfortunately, it bore a strong resemblance to the Union flag, leading to confusion on the battlefield. The second flag was similar to the first, except that they had removed the red stripes. When there was no wind, it looked like a flag of surrender. The third battle flag was designed to avoid further confusion.
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[PLMerite]

Those were the Confederate National Flags for the Confederate States of America as a nation. They were called in order, The Stars and Bars, The Stainless Banner, and the Third National.

The Battle Flags were a different story.