Marquis de Lafayette

Lore & Background

Lafayette was born into a wealthy land-owning family in Chavaniac in the province of Auvergne. He followed the family's martial tradition and was commissioned an officer at age 13. He became convinced that the American revolutionary cause was noble and traveled to the Americas seeking glory. He was made a major general at age 19 but initially was not given American troops to command. He fought at the Battle of Brandywine, where he was wounded but organized an orderly retreat, and served with distinction in the Battle of Rhode Island. In 1781, troops under his command in Virginia blocked a British army led by Lord Cornwallis until other forces could position themselves for the decisive siege of Yorktown.

Reader's Guide

Lafayette's significance lies in his role as a transatlantic figure who served both the American and French revolutions. In the United States, he commanded Continental Army troops at the siege of Yorktown, the final major battle of the Revolutionary War, which secured American independence. In France, he helped write the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, advocated the abolition of slavery, and commanded the National Guard. He was captured by Austrian troops and spent more than five years in prison. After the Bourbon Restoration, he became a liberal member of the Chamber of Deputies. In 1824, President James Monroe invited him to the United States, where he visited all 24 states and received a rapturous reception. He declined an offer to become French dictator during the July Revolution of 1830, instead supporting Louis-Philippe. He died on 20 May 1834 and is buried in Picpus Cemetery in Paris under soil from Bunker Hill.

Did You Know?

• Lafayette was commissioned an officer at age 13.
• He was wounded at the Battle of Brandywine but organized an orderly retreat.
• He spent more than five years in prison after being captured by Austrian troops.
• He is buried in Picpus Cemetery in Paris under soil from Bunker Hill.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Humanity has gained its suit; Liberty will nevermore be without an asylum." — Marquis de Lafayette "Humanity has gained its suit : Liberty will never more be without an asylum." — Marquis de Lafayette "Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country." — Marquis de Lafayette "I would never have drawn my sword in the cause of America, if I could have conceived that thereby I was founding a land of slavery." — Marquis de Lafayette