Marquis de LaFayette was a rich French aristocrat and military officer who fought in the American
Revolutionary War, commanding American troops in several battles, notably the siege of Yorktown.
He was instrumental in securing French finance, troops, and ships to aid the American cause.
After returning to France, he was a key figure in the French Revolution of 1789 and the July
Revolution of 1830.
He is often referred to as "The Hero of the Two Worlds" for his accomplishments in the
service of both France and the United States.
With the assistance of Thomas Jefferson, LaFayette drafted the Declaration of the Rights of Man
and the Citizen, which is still a part of the present French constitution.
When British colonies in North America declared independence from Britain in 1776, they were
seen in France as "people fighting for liberty".
France hoped that by supplying the Americans with arms and officers, they might exact revenge
on Britain for their defeat in the "Seven Years' War" and restore their influence in
North America.
However, intentions to deliver aid to America were officially abandoned after Britain threatened
France with new war after learning of their plans.
It was forced upon King Louis XVI to issue a decree prohibiting French officers from
serving in America.
But LaFayette, who lost his father in the war with the British, and as Freemason who
was exposed to the ideas of the Enlightenment and political liberty, was not easily dissuaded.
The 19-year-old French officer was determined to travel to the New World in search of glory
because he believed the American revolution was a worthy cause.
He bought a ship and hired a crew with his own money.
He left his pregnant wife and a young child behind as he sailed to America on 26 April
1777, supplying the ship enroute with 5,000 rifles and ammunition.
He kept his plans it total secrecy, not even telling his wife about his plans.
Fearful of being arrested, it is believed that LaFayette left Europe disguised as a
courier or possibly dressed as a woman, to avoid detection.
LaFayette arrived in South Caroline on June 13, 1777 and made his way to Philadelphia.
When he met with George Washington, "the two men bonded almost immediately", and the rest
is history.