The Travails of the Union Jack Quiz

Answer: All of these

Really, James wasn't trying to make trouble and he wasn't trying to establish a new national flag. It's just that folks were confused about what flag ocean going ships should fly. On the ground, there was no problem: troops in Scotland flew a flag with St. Andrew's Cross, and troops in England flew a standard emblazoned with the cross of St. George. But when people couldn't figure out what standard to fly at sea, James authorized his heralds to make the first Union Jack and proclaimed that it should be flown on both civil and military ships at sea.

But some folks can get riled up over small matters, and so a number of alternative designs were put forward. Some more incensed Scots flew a Scottish version of the Union Jack in which the cross of Saint Andrew was in front, seeming to cross out the English cross. Finally in 1634, in response to over 25 years of complaints, my use was restricted to the King's ships.

Answer: A harp

Lots of flags were waved about in the Commonwealth years, and I was happy not to have been abandoned altogether. The harp was placed in my center and covered up the intersection of the two crosses. Had this design been kept, might it not have obviated the conflict over which cross was in front? Sigh... I suppose it might have just meant that both Scottish and English patriots would have been unhappy about having the Irish harp in front.

Answer: Charles the II removed Cromwell's addition to the Union Jack at his restoration.

I really did like that harp; although, I suppose, Charles II might well have viewed it as a commemoration of a Parliamentary conquest. And I was actually only one of several naval flags used by the Commonwealth's navy.

Answer: The flag was now used on land as well as sea.

When I was inserted into the controversial Act of Union, it seemed yet another case of my being trotted out to symbolize an unpopular change in government. Really, the whole affair seemed to have arisen because of ill-fated Scottish colonialism, hardly any fault of a poor flag. That fool William Paterson actually managed to persuade his countryman that Scotland need a colony, of all things. So, they picked a steaming, inhospitable, disease infested tract of jungle in Panama to settle.

The investors lost their shirts and the Scottish Government found itself heavily in debt.

Many historians feel that England's agreement to assume that debt was the decisive incentive that enticed the Scots to abolish their own parliament and form a "United Kingdom" with England. And my status as a symbol of oppression was further cemented.

Answer: The United States

At the time of the Second Continental Congress, prior to the Declaration of Independence, a number of American leaders still hoped to remain closely tied to Britain. This congress adopted the Grand Union Flag, consisting of thirteen stripes with a Union Jack in the left upper corner. Significantly, George Washington was credited with first raising this flag.

The flag continued in use after the American Declaration of Independence until mid 1777.

Answer: St. Patrick 's Cross

Although the Irish parliament approved the unification, the British government used titles, grants of land and cash as inducements to secure votes. George III reneged on a promise to permit Catholics to serve in Parliament, although such service was permitted after the king's demise. I, for one, am not surprised that the more nationalistic symbols of the Irish people were passed over in favor of the less used cross of St. Patrick.

Answer: The bbc

How can it be that well meaning and well-educated people are inclined to argue over whether I should be capitalized? I suppose that those in the wrong are guilty of a "capital" offense!

Some even argue whether I'm a "jack" or a "flag". While I can't profess to confidently know the answer, a particular historical fact seems to contribute importantly to the difficulty. I was, after all, first literally flown as a "jack" from the bows of ships. Some, therefore, maintain that on land I must be called "flag", not "jack". Honestly, I speculate that dignity may be an issue, with many considering "jack" to be a nickname. I suppose we shall never know if the problem would have been averted had I been christened the "Union John". (Although, I suppose that name would have eventually been flushed.)

Answer: An Act of Parliament

Although no Parliamentary Act has granted me official status, the first line of the article on the Union Jack on the Royal Website states "The Union Flag, or Union Jack, is the national flag of the United Kingdom." (http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page398.asp) Custom and usage are important in Britain. The Union Jack was originally a royal flag, but then the United Kingdom is, after all, a Monarchy. Since 1801, the Union Jack has flown from all King's forts and castles.

In the early 20th century, there was some doubt as to whether it was legal for the public at large to fly me. In 1908, police were reportedly removing Union Flags being flown by the general public. In 1933, the Home Secretary stated that "On 27th June 1933 the Home Secretary stated that, "The Union Flag is the National Flag and may properly be flown on land by any of His Majesty's subjects."

Answer: No Welsh emblem is included

England was considered to have annexed Wales was in the 13th century. When James I (formerly James VI of Scotland) directed my design in 1606, Wales was not viewed as a separate Kingdom. As a result, I bear no Welsh symbols (although I must say I would be pleased to do so).

Answer: All of these

OK, I do think they were kidding about the class distinction, pigeon-fancying and warm beer. But the article also maintained that segments of the British public consider me to be emblematic of "fascism, nationalism and hooliganism". And Sir Winston is no longer around to protect me. If you would like to see this flag-bashing article you may go to "http://www.guardian.co.uk/britain/article/0,2763,184949,00.html#article_continue"