In the wake of the Charleston church shootings that killed nine African-Americans, a long-simmering debate over public displays of the Confederate battle flag has boiled over in the South. read more
The "Confederate flag," as it is colloquially referred to, was the flag used in battle by the Army of Northern Virginia during the Civil War. The actual flag of the Confederate States of America featured red and white stripes offset by a blue canton (a term that usually describes a rectangular block in the upper-left corner of a flag) and white stars. read more
But flying high in front of the building was another symbol: a Confederate flag. Some argue that the flag is a symbol of slavery and oppression, while others insist that it is purely a matter of Southern heritage and pride. read more
Despite the defeat of the CSA, the Confederate flag - also known as the rebel flag, the battle flag, the Dixie flag, and Southern cross - continued to be flown. In the Second World War, Southern military units flew the flag. read more