AHC: All flags are square

With as recent a POD as possible, make Swiss-style square flags universal. I wouldn't have any clue how to get this result, but I'm curious to hear any ideas. We must have some flag experts around here.
 
Well... Square is a sucky shape for flags. You want them long so the wind catches them and extends them so they're visible. Sure, you can get the odd square flag, but you'd need a very, very different use for square to be normal.
 
In fact, looking up the Swiss flag, their Civil Ensign, used on e.g. ships, or in other words most of the really 'flaggy' uses, IS flag shaped, not square.

So, basically.not going to happen with flags in getting eral.

What you COULD get, would be people using coats of arms, although those of course usually on shield shapes, instead of flags. Colour guards carry arms on a pole in pocession, shields rather than flags in court rooms, etc., Etc.
 
Sure, if the point of a flag is to flap in the breeze, it makes sense for it to be longer than it is tall. But what if the point was more to serve as a shield, or be mounted on a flat surface? Or what if Roman-style standards were retained into the modern era?
 
I think that reintroduction of the vexillium style standard is really the best bet. Latest POD id think possible would be a stronger Roman revival during or after the NW, leading to France, Austria, etc. vexillating their flag. This causes a cultural perception of 'square flag=empire's emerging and by 1900 all powers have adopted a square standard.
 
Sure, if the point of a flag is to flap in the breeze, it makes sense for it to be longer than it is tall. But what if the point was more to serve as a shield, or be mounted on a flat surface? Or what if Roman-style standards were retained into the modern era?
Then they wouldn't be flags.
 
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