Flags often imitate or are influenced by other nations, creating “flag families.” For example, the Netherlands’ red, white and blue flag from the 1500s set a precedent.

Flags often imitate or are influenced by other nations, creating “flag families.” For example, the Netherlands’ red, white and blue flag from the 1500s set a precedent.

The U.S., France, Chile and more all have this commonality: red, white and blue flags. Here's why, as explained by Ted Kaye of the North American Vexillological Association.

OK, the flags do look similar. The Chilean national flag features a horizontal white stripe over a red stripe and a dark blue canton with a large white star in the upper hoist corner.

According to Kaye, red, white and blue dominate flags due to dye technology, imitation and symbolic meanings. Historically, these colors were practical because white could be created by bleaching ...