Marquis de Lafayette : Hero of the American and French Revolution

The Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834), although a member of the French aristocracy, fought for liberty and equality for all people. He fought in the American Revolution and in France, and advocated for a constitutional monarchy and human rights. The Marquis also had one of the longest names in history: Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette. He earned the nickname “Hero of Two Worlds” because of his significant involvement in both the American and French Revolutions. 

In 1774, Lafayette volunteered to fight for the American cause without pay. Despite being only 19 and having no prior combat experience, he proved to be a capable leader. The Continental Congress commissioned him as a major general in 1777. He spoke only French when he arrived, but practiced English with George Washington and other officers.

In the Battle of Brandywine, Lafayette organized an orderly retreat after being wounded. At Valley Forge, Lafayette commanded a division and provided uniforms and muskets for his troops. At the siege of Yorktown, he helped trap Cornwallis’ troops, which led to the English surrender. In addition, he brought French troops, ships, and supplies to support American victory.

Lafayette returned to France and became a leader of liberal reform in 1782. With input from Thomas Jefferson, he drafted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in 1789. He became commander of the National Guard of Paris after the storming of the Bastille. His job was to maintain order, protect the royal family, and support revolutionary reforms. However, as the Revolution grew more radical, Lafayette’s moderate stance made him unpopular. He escaped from France in 1792 to avoid execution during the Reign of Terror. The Austrians held La Fayette prisoner until Napoleon secured his release.

He died of natural causes in 1834 and is buried in Paris beneath soil from Bunker Hill.