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Stephen Mancilla
Mike Russo & Lelia Roeckell
COR 390- Gotham: The New York Experience
October 31, 2014
Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roche Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayete
The Marquis de Lafayette was born on September 6, 1757, in Chanvaniac, France, into a
family of noble military lineage. He was a French aristocrat and military officer in the United
States Army. Lafayette fought for the United States in the American Revolutionary War
alongside General George Washington. He was also a key figure in the French Revolution of
1789 and the July Revolution of 1830. During the revolutionary war he provided tactical
leadership and at the same time, securing essential resources from France.
Lafayette was the only son of a Colonel of the Grenadiers, Michel-Louis Christophe
Roch Gilbert Paulette du Motier. He was never able to see his father due to a battle wounds that
caused death. He was raised by his mother and paternal grandmother, Marie-Catherine de
Chanvaniac. Following the death of his father, Lafayette inherited multiple titles from his father
and the loss of other relatives. This is when he became the new Marquis de La Fayette.
Unfortunately, his mother and grandmother died at the age of twelve, leaving Lafayette as an
orphan with a vast inheritance.
On April 9, 1771, Lafayette entered the Royal Army at the age of fourteen. Three years
later, on April 11, 1774, he married Marie Adrienne Francoise de Noailles, fourteen, who is in
one of the wealthiest families in France. She was related to the King of France, Jean de Noailles.
This made Lafayette wealthier. Before the marriage he made a fortune from his estate and from
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the deaths of his wealthy relatives. After the marriage he received 400,000 Livres, which is
equivalent to about $1.6 million in todays economy, from Adriennes father as part of her
dowry. He was also appointed as captain and placed in command of a company in the Noailles
Dragoons regiment due to his father-in-laws influence in the region.
Lafayette was introduced to the Comte de Broglie, Charles Francois, commander of the
French Army of the East, in 1775. This is when Lafayette became associated with the
Freemasons, who advocated freedom both in France and America. De Broglie invited the Duke
of Gloucester to a dinner on August 8, 1775, which was one of Marquis most memorable
moments. The Duke of Gloucester spoke about his disappointment and criticized the struggle
going on in the colonies. He spoke about the reasons as to why the colonists were fighting for
their freedom. Lafayette was impacted by this and started to plan to travel to America because he
wanted to join in the effort. These are the exact words of Lafayette, When I first learned of that
quarrel, my hear was enlisted and I thought only of joining the colors. Soon after, Marquis
recruited like-minded men in Paris to discuss the involvement of France in the American
Revolution. He started to make plans to go to America, but then realized that his plans would be
disapproved of by the King and his family. He met Baron Johan de Kalb, who was also seeking
to travel to America. In 1777, Lafayette sailed to the newly declared United States
When Lafeyette arrived he had the impression that he would be accepted into the
Colonial Army, however due to previous foreign generals, the Colonial Army was hesitant at
first to accept him. He offered his services as unpaid volunteer, and was soon given the title of
Major General. On August 10, 1777, he met George Washington, who was persuaded to have
Lafayette as his aide-de-camp and take him under his wing. They became very close because
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Lafayette was established in his G.W.s household. I am established in his household and we
live like two devoted brothers in mutual intimacy and confidence.
The first battle that Lafayette was in was the Battle of Brandywine, where he got
wounded by getting shot in the leg. Despite his wounds he was able to organize a retreat, which
G.W. commended him for and sent a letter to Congress recommending him for a promotion.
Marquis began climbing in rank due to his dedication to the Army. By this time he became one
of Washingtons closest and most trusted friend. G.W. recommended to Congress that Lafayette
lead an invasion. Due to his commitment in the Army, Congress accepted this idea. Lafayette
was soon asked to lead the invasion of Canada. On the way to Canada Lafayette was supposed to
meet with a group of reinforcements, however they never arrived. To make matters worse,
Marquis and his men had a serious lack of financial support and food. They were also not used to
the harsh winters of Canada. He was certain that if his men continued they would all die, so he
sent a letter to G.W. that resulted in calling off the mission. He retreated to Valley Forge, where
he would face on of the harshest winters ever.
The next battle Lafayette was in was the Battle of Valley Forge. This battle was not
conducted by actual fighting. It left them so desolate in the cold that it was said that they looked
like skeletons. In the spring time the army emerged as a new and better army. The war turned
around once they had survived Valley Forge and were victorious at the Battle of Saratoga. This
resulted in the French to join the war due to Lafayettes achievements. He was then stationed
near Barren Hill, Pennsylvania, which then turned into a battle. This battle is known as the Battle
of Barren Hill. A British General learned of Lafayettes position on the hill and decided to
ambush Lafayette and his troops, with the ultimate goal of capturing Lafayette. The reaction of
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Lafayette was astonishing. He decided to retreat his men in groups. This act was so amazing
because he thought this out very quickly and got his troops out safely. In recognition of his
bravery and skill, the hill was renamed Lafayette Hill. After this Lafayette would face many
battles with the French against the British Forces.
After his tour of America and his retirement, Lafayette finally returned back to France in
December 1781, where he was known as the Hero of Two Worlds He rejoined the French
army and organized trade agreements with Thomas Jefferson, who was the American
ambassador to France. In 1815 he became a member of the Chamber of Deputies. In 1830, he
was given the opportunity to become dictator of France, but he politely declined and was
reinstated as commander of the Garde nationale (National Guard). Following this, Lafayette
developed pneumonia, which he recovered from, however it left him severely weak. On May 20,
1834, he became ill again, which resulted in his death.
Marquis de Lafayette greatly impacted America. Without him, America may not have
become what it is today. His legacy has not been forgotten in France or the United States. His
dedication and commitment to helping this nation is recognized by many cities and counties in
the U.S. that are named in honor for his valiant efforts. George Washington helped to develop
Lafayette and alongside each other they made this nation independent from the British forces.


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Work Cited
Izquierdo, Jose A. "Biography for The Marquis De Lafayette." Author Biographies.
Pennsylvania State University, n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2014. <
https://secureapps.libraries.psu.edu/PACFTB/bios/biography.cfm?AuthorID=7288>.
Marquis De Lafayette. Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 30 Oct 2014. <
http://www.biography.com/people/marquis-de-lafayette-21271783#synopsis>.
Pavao, Janelle. The Marquis de Lafayette. Revolutionary-Wat.net. Greatest Stories Ever Told.
2014. Web. 25 Oct. 2014. < http://www.revolutionary-war.net/marquis-de-
lafayette.html>.
The Marquis de Lafayette. Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, n.d. Web. 24 Oct.
2014. < http://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/served/lafayette.html>.