Why did Confederate commanders seek a new battle flag after the First Battle of Bull Run?

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flag shapes — flag Various shapes of flags: (from left) rectangle (Algeria), square (Switzerland), pennant (Nepal), swallowtail (Ohio, U.S.).

Confederate commanders sought a new battle flag following the First Battle of Bull Run because the initial national flag, known as the "Stars and Bars," was too similar in appearance to the Union's Stars and Stripes.12

During the heat and dust of combat, this visual similarity made it extremely difficult for troops to distinguish between their own reinforcements and those of the enemy. To prevent such confusion in future engagements, the Confederate military petitioned for a distinct banner, leading to the creation of the Confederate Battle Flag, which featured a blue saltire on a red field.12