Marquis de Lafayette
By Kristen Smith
Childhood and Family
Marie Joseph Paul Yues Roch Gilbert de motier, also know as Marquis de Lafayette, was born September 6, 1757,in Chavaniac, France into a noble military linage. Before turning 2, His father was killed at Minden,Battle during the 7 year war. At age 12 his mother passed away and two weeks later his grandfather died. As a very young and wealthy orphan he joined the Royal Army 2 years later at the age of 14. At age 16, he married 14 year old Marie Adrienne Francoisse de Noailles. She was one of the most wealthest familes and she was related to King George lll. They had 4 kids, 1 son named Georges and 3 daughters named Marie, Anastasie, and Henriette who died at the age of 2. Lafayette's only education was at Versaillas Academy and College de Plessis. Despite His little education, he did get some military training when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Musketeers of the guard.
Important Life Events
After having dinner with the brother of King Greorge lll, who talked about the rebel in the colonies, Lafayette decides to enlist as a volunteer in the American Army.Lafayette was forbidden by King Louis XVl, but he set sail for America anyway on April 20,1777. On June 3, he landed near Georgetown. He was accepted into Washington's staff and saw his first action at the Battle of Brandywine. Lafayette get permission to go back to France after the successful siege at Yorktown. Congress,by resolution, honor lafayette as gallant and meritorious on May 15,1780.
Contributions to American Revolution
He was the youngest general in the continental army and the most famous to serve with George Washington. Battle of Brandywine showed his great courage and how well he preformed, besides being shot in the leg. Washington credits lafayette with the help that will turn the tide of the war toward American victory. He co-lead American forces in the successful siege of Lord Cornwallis's British armies at Yorktown. On March 14, 1780, King Louis gave lafayette a secret message for George Washington.
Interesting Facts
- Lafayette's motto was '' Cur non ?'' meaning ''why not?'' and he also voiced support for revolutions in Greece, Poland, Italy, and South America.
- A musket ball had torn through his left calf and he didn't notice until the retreat at the Battle of Brandywine.
- Lafayette's return to France was triumph and after the french revolution, he was considered the hero of two worlds
- Lafayette's ideals were formed by both the French enlightenment and his exposure to America;s culture of civic equality
- He used the Declaration of Independence to write the Declaration of the Right of Man and of the Citizens.
Accomplishments
- He was the most celebrated man in Europe after the American Revolution
- Lafayette was awarded the Prestigious metal Le Chavalier de Saint James
- He got an Honorary Degree from Harvard
- He is the symbol of Friendship between France and America
- He was made natural born citizen of America in 2002