The Flag of the Netherlands

The origins of the Dutch flag date back to the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule in the late 16th century. Initially, the flag featured orange, white, and blue stripes, with the orange representing William of Orange, the leader of the Dutch revolt. Over time, the orange stripe was replaced with red, for reasons that are still debated among historians. Some suggest the change was due to the red dye's superior visibility at sea, while others argue it was to align with the colors of other maritime nations. Officially, the red-white-blue horizontal tricolor was established as the national flag in 1796, reinstated in 1813 after a brief period where it was replaced, and has remained unchanged since. It has inspired numerous other flags around the world, notably those of Russia, France, and the United Kingdom, reflecting its historical significance and the spread of the ideas of liberty and independence associated with the Dutch Republic.