Italy's flag colors were established during the Napoleonic wars.By 1848 the design was adopted by the house of Savoy. When Italy became a republic the royal arms on the flag were removed.On July 17, 1797 the Cispadane and the Trispadane were united creating the Cisalpine republic flag. The republic adopted the original color of the Italian flag ( green, white, and red) and has kept it ever since.