AHC: Change history significantly, simply by changing the flag of the United States

Deleted member 97083

Here's an alternate history challenge. With the only POD being the flag chosen to represent the United States during/after the American Revolutionary War, how can you change history the most?

How does a flag different from the Betsy Ross Flag, the Stars and Stripes, affect the national motifs and national perception of not just the US, but other countries inspired by the US in their revolutions and constitutions?

For example, if the first flag of the United States had been retained, including the Union Jack, then the symbolism of the Union Jack for British colonies and dominions would have been cheapened. The Union Jack might not even be associated with the United Kingdom in particular. ITTL, red and white stripes alone would represent republicanism and the United States, without the blue field and white stars motif.

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Maybe the "Don't Tread on Me" Gadsden flag could have been the US flag, making yellow and black the colors of democracy and republicanism. The US could have become much more libertarian minded with this influence, although not in the exact way we perceive libertarians now. The serpent would be the national symbol of the United States, and possibly revolutions everywhere.

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Or, what about a red field with a yellow star in the middle--similar ideas that could have been come up with in the late 18th century: a star representing unity, red as a reference to honor. Still fits the symbols that could have been conceived during and after the American Revolution. But this flag would be identical to the modern flag of Vietnam. Liberal, capitalist republics ITTL could all have vaguely communist flags.

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The Gadsden flag might have the most effect. Many cultures associate serpents with evil, so people from those places might seek out other destinations when they emigrate.

A smaller immigrant population might slow down industrialization in the US; reduce westward expansion thereby benefiting the indigenous population; limit the growth of free states which in turn prevents the Civil War and delays emancipation; and butterfly away both party coalitions (ethnic minorities as part of the D coalition and nativists as whatever the other party would be).
 
Using the Gadsen flag would alter perception of the U.S to an unusually successful bunch of fanatics rather than a legitimate state.
 
The first flag would never have been retained once the break from UK was completed. It implies a union with the USA's country of origin - having just fought a war to get away, we would not tell the world we're still theirs.

The third flag, if adopted, would preclude Vietnam using it later. But I want the snake in the middle of the star.....
 
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