b) Grand Union Flag

The Grand Union Flag, raised by American troops at the start of the Revolution, symbolized colonial unity against British rule. Combining the British Union Jack with thirteen red and white stripes, it represented a compromise between loyalty to the Crown and a desire for self-governance. This flag was a precursor to the Stars and Stripes, evolving as the colonies moved towards outright independence. Its use during the early stages of the Revolution reflects the complexity of American identity and the gradual shift from protest to rebellion in the struggle for independence.