The U.S., France, Chile and more all have this commonality: red, white and blue flags. Here's why, as explained by Ted Kaye of the North American Vexillological Association.

Flags often imitate or are influenced by other nations, creating “flag families.” For example, the Netherlands’ red, white and blue flag from the 1500s set a precedent.

France’s use of red, white and blue similarly shaped other flags, demonstrating how one country’s colors can affect many others. Red, white and blue are also common colors due to their ...

Known as the "Maple Leaf Flag," the Canadian flag has two colors — red, derived from St. George’s cross, and white, derived from the French royal emblem. An 11-point maple leaf is placed at ...