Marquis de Lafayette
The Marquis de Lafayette, born Gilbert Motier, was a prominent French military officer and key figure in both the American and French Revolutions. He began his military career early, joining the French cavalry at just sixteen years old after studying at the Military Academy in Versailles. In 1777, he traveled to America to support the Revolutionary War effort, where he became an aide to General George Washington, forging a strong friendship and earning a reputation as a trusted leader. Lafayette's contributions included significant roles in battles in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, leading to his command of American troops. He returned to France in 1779 to secure military and financial support for the American cause and played a crucial part in the victory at Yorktown in 1781. After the American Revolution, Lafayette returned to France, where he became involved in the French Revolution and led the National Guard. He remained politically active until 1830, when he led a revolution that resulted in the ousting of the Bourbon monarchy, cementing his status as a significant historical figure in both nations.
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Marquis de Lafayette
- Born: September 6, 1757
- Birthplace: Chavaniac, France
- Died: May 20, 1834
- Place of death: Paris, France
Full name: Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette
Born: September 6, 1757; Chavaniac, Auvergne, France
Died: May 20, 1834; Paris, France
Principal wars: American Revolution, French Revolution
Principal battles: Brandywine (1777), Monmouth (1778), Yorktown (1781), Paris (1789)
Military significance: Lafayette served with distinction in the American Revolution, leading American forces to several victories. He served France by endeavoring to smooth political transitions created by the French Revolution.
The marquis de Lafayette studied at the Military Academy in Versailles and became a captain in the French cavalry at age sixteen. He sailed to America in 1777 to participate in the American Revolution (1775–1783) and was assigned to the staff of George Washington. He became a great friend of Washington and a trusted field officer.
After performing well in battles against the British in Pennsylvania (Brandywine, 1777) and New Jersey (Monmouth, 1778), he was given command of his own division of American troops. In 1779, he returned to France and obtained financial and military aid for the Americans. After returning to America in 1780, he played a vital role in the entrapment and surrender of Lord Charles Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781.
Returning to France in 1782, Lafayette participated in the French Revolution (1789–1792), serving as commander of the French National Guard. In 1830, he became the leader of a revolution that dethroned the Bourbon kings of France.
Bibliography
Fritz, Jean. Why Not, Lafayette? New York: Putnam, 1999.
Izerda, Stanley, and Robert R. Crout. Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution. Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University Press, 1981.
Kramer, Lloyd S. Lafayette in Two Worlds. Greensboro: University of North Carolina Press, 1996.
Liberty. Six-part documentary. Norwest Corporation and KTCA-TV, 1997.
Neely, Sylvia. Lafayette and the Liberal Ideal, 1814–1824. Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press, 1991.