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.

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 ...

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.