Lafayette, born in 1757 to a wealthy aristocratic family in Chavaniac-Lafayette, Auvergne, France, was raised by his paternal grandmother, Mme de Chavaniac. His family had a long history of military service, and Lafayette named his only son after George Washington. He was raised by his aunt, who allowed them to hunt in their woods.
Lauton was the son of a general in the royal navy, and his father died when he was not yet two. His mother and grandfather both died at the age of twelve, leaving him as a young, wealthy orphan. At the age of fourteen, Lafayette entered the Royal Army and married Marie Adrienne Francoise de Noailles, allying himself with one of the wealthiest families in France.
At the age of sixteen, Lafayette married Marie Adrienne Francoise de Noailles, allying himself with one of the wealthiest families in France. Orphaned in his early teens, he had already inherited an immense fortune by the time he married Adrienne de Noailles, the daughter of one of France’s oldest families. His ancestors served in the Crusades and alongside Joan of Arc.
Born into a family with illustrious ancestors on both sides, Lafayette initially appeared destined for a conventional aristocratic, military career. However, he was born into a wealthy land-owning family in Chavaniac, France, and followed the family’s martial arts. By the age of 19, he had earned the rank of major.
Lawrence’s father was killed in battle during the Seven Years War, and his mother and grandfather both died in 1770. Lafayette and his wife Adrienne de Noailles had four children, including a son named George Washington. The general died in 1834, and by 1770, he had amassed a large inheritance after the deaths of his mother, father, and grandfather.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Marquis de Lafayette | Contributions, Biography, & Facts | Orphaned in his early teens, he had already inherited an immense fortune by the time he married Adrienne de Noailles, the daughter of the … | britannica.com |
| Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette | Lafayette was born into a wealthy land-owning family in Chavaniac in the province of Auvergne in south-central France. He followed the family’s martial … | en.wikipedia.org |
| Marquis de Lafayette | George Washington’s Mount Vernon | Born in 1757, he came from one of France’s oldest families. His ancestors served in the Crusades and alongside Joan of Arc. When Gilbert was two, his father … | mountvernon.org |
📹 Marquis de Lafayette: The Hero of Two Worlds
Source/Further reading: Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marquis-de-Lafayette Biography: …
Who Attacked Lafayette True Blood?
In the second book, Living Dead in Dallas, Lafayette is murdered by members of a secret sex club, with his body discovered by Sookie in Andy Bellefleur's car. Lafayette, a skilled short order cook and medium, was portrayed by Nelsan Ellis in the HBO series True Blood, debuting in the first season episode "Strange Love." Known for his fierce confrontations, he once retaliated against patrons at Merlotte's who insulted a hamburger he made, leading to a violent altercation. Despite his tough persona, his character faced serious challenges, including being kidnapped by vampires working for Eric, who initially intended to kill him. Sookie's intervention saves him, but the trauma led to lasting effects like PTSD. Lafayette's persona was a fan favorite, contributing significantly to the narrative throughout the series' seven seasons.
Nelsan Ellis, born November 30, 1977, battled substance abuse, which ultimately led to his passing at 39. His character, Lafayette, was frequently lauded as the heart of True Blood, providing depth and complexity, despite feeling underserved in the series finale. As Lafayette navigated difficult situations, including confronting prejudice and grappling with personal demons, he remained a compelling figure in the show, resonating with fans until his tragic end.
Did Marquis De Lafayette Get Married?
At eleven, Lafayette inherited a substantial fortune following his mother’s death. By sixteen, he married Marie Adrienne Françoise de Noailles, a member of the influential Noailles family, while she was just fourteen. Born on September 6, 1757, Lafayette became a prominent French aristocrat, famously fighting in the American Revolution alongside the Continental Army against the British. After marrying Adrienne in 1774, they resided in her father's house in Versailles.
Lafayette, already recognized for his wealth and status, gained a captaincy due to their high-profile connection. His marriage was significant as they both embraced wealth and influence at a young age; Adrienne was the daughter of the duc d'Ayen and granddaughter of the duc de Noailles. Within two years of their wedding, they welcomed their first child. Lafayette’s life continued to evolve, and he soon became a major general by nineteen.
After his passing in Paris on May 20, 1834, he was interred alongside his wife, with soil from Bunker Hill on his grave, symbolizing his enduring ties to the American cause. Their partnership marked a pivotal moment in his life and helped shape his role as a leader advocating for constitutional monarchy in France.
Who Saved Lafayette'S Wife?
In 1794, Elizabeth Monroe traveled to France with her husband, James Monroe, who was appointed by President Washington as the United States Minister. They arrived in Paris during the French Revolution, where Elizabeth played a crucial role in saving Marie Adrienne de Noailles, the wife of Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, who was imprisoned and facing execution by guillotine. Adrienne, born on November 2, 1759, hailed from an affluent family and married Lafayette in 1774.
During the Revolution, Adrienne's entire family suffered tragic fates; her mother, sister, and grandmother were beheaded. However, due to American intervention, she was saved just in time. After two years of imprisonment, in January 1795, she was released largely thanks to the Monroes' efforts, particularly Elizabeth’s personal visits to her in prison. Following her release, Adrienne was reunited with her son and later lived at her husband’s estate, La Grange.
Elizabeth Monroe’s decisive actions earned her renown, as she leveraged her influence to rescue Adrienne. The Monroes’ intervention also helped ensure the safety of Lafayette's young son, who escaped to America. Ultimately, Adrienne de Lafayette’s life became intertwined with significant historical figures, highlighting the critical roles women played during tumultuous times.
Was Lafayette Born Into A Wealthy Family?
Marquis de Lafayette (1757 – 1834) was a prominent French aristocrat born to a wealthy noble family in Chavaniac, Auvergne. Orphaned at a young age after his father's death in battle against the British, he inherited substantial wealth by the time he married Adrienne de Noailles in 1774. Lafayette's military career began early; at sixteen he became a second lieutenant under his uncle. He is best known for his role in the American Revolution, where he fought alongside the Continental Army against British forces, ultimately becoming a key ally of George Washington.
Lafayette's commitment to noble causes and constitutional monarchy made him a significant figure during the French Revolution, where he advocated for democratic reforms. His lineage, regarded as one of the oldest noble families in France, placed him in a unique position to influence both military and political affairs. Despite his aristocratic background, he challenged the monarchy and sought to balance the powers between the crown and the people.
Lafayette's legacy includes not only his contributions to the American Revolution but also his attempts to champion liberty and equality in France, facing numerous challenges throughout his life. He and his wife, Adrienne, had three children, and despite personal and political struggles, Lafayette remains celebrated as a symbol of freedom and revolutionary spirit.
What Happened To Lafayette'S Parents?
Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roche Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, was born into an ancient noble family in Auvergne, France, in 1757. His father, Michel de Lafayette, a colonel of grenadiers, was killed by a cannonball at the Battle of Minden during the Seven Years' War when Lafayette was just two years old. The young Lafayette was left largely in the care of his mother, Marie Louise Jolie de La Rivière, until her sudden death in 1770, when he was only 12, followed shortly by the death of his grandfather.
These losses, alongside the passing of his uncle Jacques-Roch in 1734 during the War of the Polish Succession, left Lafayette orphaned and with a considerable inheritance, including a title and a fortune estimated at 25, 000 livres per year.
Despite the tragic early years, Lafayette established a military career, influenced by his family's military background. He developed a close friendship with George Washington, honoring him by naming his only son after him. During Napoleon's reign, he lived with his family, including his wife, Adrienne de Noailles, and their children. Amidst political turmoil, Lafayette managed to survive the Reign of Terror while some family members did not. Following a stint in prison, he sought to reunite with his family in France, demonstrating resilience and commitment to his lineage and friendship with America.
Did Lafayette Have A Dad?
Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, the "hero of two worlds," was born on September 6, 1757, in Chavaniac, France, into a noble family. His father, Michel de Lafayette, a colonel in the grenadiers, was killed by the British at the Battle of Minden in 1759 when Lafayette was only two years old. Following this, his mother, Marie Louise, raised him until her death in 1770, along with his grandfather, leaving Lafayette an immense fortune and his title of Marquis.
Orphaned by his early teens, Lafayette was raised in the Auvergne region, inheriting a considerable estate by the time he married Adrienne de Noailles, the daughter of another noble family. The early loss of his father instilled in Lafayette a strong animosity toward the British, motivating him to seek vengeance for his father’s death as well as to pursue ideals of liberty. His upbringing in a wealthy household allowed him access to privileged education and societal connections, which he later utilized to play a prominent role in the American Revolution.
By the age of 19, he was captivated by the revolutionary cause and joined the fight for liberty, embarking on a path that would earn him recognition in both American and French histories. Lafayette's noble lineage, combined with his personal losses and subsequent fortunes, significantly shaped his character and aspirations as a soldier and statesman.
Who Turned Lafayette Into A Vampire?
In the HBO series True Blood, Lafayette Reynolds, portrayed by Nelsan Ellis, is a significant character who navigates the complex interactions between humans and vampires. A short-order cook and medium, Lafayette first appears in season one’s "Strange Love." His storyline takes a dramatic turn when he is shot during an escape attempt from Fangtasia, leading him to ask Eric, Pam, and Chow for vampire transformation. Despite being ferociously bitten, Lafayette's transformation does not occur, allowing him to maintain his charismatic and sassy human persona.
Another pivotal character, Jessica Hamby (Deborah Ann Woll), was kidnapped by vampires and turned into a vampire as punishment for Bill, her captor. Meanwhile, Tara Thornton, another close friend of Lafayette, is transformed into a vampire by Pam as Sookie and Lafayette plead for her life after Tara is severely injured.
Throughout the series, Lafayette's unique ability to read thoughts enriches his interactions but doesn't lead to his conversion into a vampire, despite various life-threatening situations. His involvement with the supernatural elements expands as he becomes possessed by a Mexican demon through his relationship with the brujo Jesus Velasquez. Ultimately, Lafayette's character remains a symbol of resilience, remaining true to his roots while navigating the treacherous underworld of vampires.
What Happened To Lafayette In Real Life?
Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834) was a prominent French aristocrat who championed the American Revolution against British rule. He married Adrienne de Noailles at 16 but was compelled to seek safety in London shortly thereafter. Despite their close correspondence, he never reunited with Alexander Hamilton post-war. After the Siege of Yorktown, Lafayette returned to France and, following years of imprisonment during the Austrian conflict due to his revolutionary stance, he emerged as a legendary figure.
By 1830, he supported Louis-Philippe as king but later opposed him due to autocratic tendencies. Lafayette died on May 20, 1834, in Paris and is buried in Picpus Cemetery with soil from Bunker Hill, symbolizing his American legacy.
In popular culture, particularly in the musical Hamilton, Lafayette's role is simplified; he disappears in Act 2. Historically, he sought freedom for the French people but refused to support dictatorial regimes, even after Napoleon's liberation. Lafayette’s life reflects his commitment to liberty and his complex legacy, illustrated by his experiences in both America and France, where he faced prison and eventual decline. Following his passing, his contributions to both nations are remembered, culminating in Congress designating him an honorary citizen of the United States in 2002.
What Was Marquis De Lafayette'S Childhood Like?
Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roche Gilbert du Motier, known as the Marquis de Lafayette, was born on September 6, 1757, in Chavaniac, France. Coming from an esteemed noble military family, he faced tragedy early in life; his father, Michel de Lafayette, died in the Seven Years' War when Lafayette was just two years old. Orphaned by age twelve after his mother and grandfather passed away, he inherited a substantial fortune. At fourteen, on April 9, 1771, he joined the Royal Army, marking the start of his military career.
Lafayette distinguished himself as a prominent figure during the American Revolutionary War, motivated by the American quest for independence. He felt a deep connection with the cause, eventually leading him to volunteer his services to the American colonies.
Growing up in the opulent environment of the Luxembourg Palace in Paris, Duke Lafayette was educated at the prestigious Collège du Plessis, which was part of the University of Paris. His friendships, particularly with George Washington, played a significant role in his life; Lafayette honored the bond by naming his son after Washington. Despite early losses, Lafayette’s noble heritage and military lineage paved the way for his influential role in history, ultimately establishing a lasting alliance between France and the United States. Lafayette’s legacy is remembered as a symbol of friendship and liberty.
Who Possessed Lafayette?
Marnie’s spirit takes control of Lafayette’s body as he drifts into sleep during the Halloween celebration in Bon Temps, leading to the dramatic event where she kills Jesus to usurp his magical powers. The Marquis de Lafayette, born on September 6, 1757, in Chavaniac, France, became a key military figure in the American Revolutionary War, fighting alongside General George Washington. He was an influential French aristocrat who not only played a vital role in the American Revolution but also in the French Revolution later in life.
His marriage to Marie Adrienne Francoise de Noailles further solidified his noble status. During his life, Lafayette displayed loyalty and bravery, risking his fortune and freedom to defend revolutionary ideals. After fleeing France during its violent revolution, he was imprisoned for his radical views. Throughout history, Lafayette is celebrated for his contributions to both American and French revolutions, retaining friendships with key figures like Thomas Jefferson.
He faced numerous challenges, including PTSD from his time under torture by Eric in Season 2 of "True Blood," where Lafayette’s character experiences repeated possessions. In the series, Marnie’s possession of Lafayette culminates in the fatal confrontation with Jesus and highlights the intertwining of personal struggles and supernatural elements within the narrative, ultimately leading to Lafayette's journey towards securing his happiness by the season's end.
📹 A History of Marquis de Lafayette
The Hero of Two Worlds, Marquis de Lafayette’s imprint on America is honorable. However, he has a small connection to …
Bonus fact: Lafayette’s imprisonment was made significantly better after American diplomats(after failing to outright get his release) noted he never was paid for his service in the American Revolution. Surprisingly, Congress actually agreed on something, and swiftly approved his pension, allowing Lafayette a comfortable confinement.
I’ve always loved this quote: “LAFAYETTE, WE ARE HERE.” These words were spoken during World War I at the tomb of the Marquis de Lafayette during a speech honoring his heroic service in the cause of the American Revolution. On 4 July, 1917 Paris celebrated American Independence Day. A U.S. battalion marched to the Picpus Cemetery, where several speeches were made at Lafayette’s tomb. The historic words uttered on that occasion, “Lafayette, nous voilà” (Lafayette, we are here), have been popularly, but erroneously, attributed to General John J. Pershing. He stated that they were spoken by Colonel Charles E. Stanton, and “to him must go the credit for coining so happy and felicitous a phrase.”
I knew how both important and largely unrecognized he was in the American Revolutionary War. I knew how integral he was in the French Revolution. I did not know how much more he was involved with. He should get and deserves so much more recognition. This was one of the best articles you’ve done so far!
I actually met one of Lafayette’s descendants in 2017. He came to see a French Dance Troupe performance about the life of Lafayette at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, USA. It took place on the anniversary of when Lafayette arrived in Norfolk for his farewell tour on October 19, 1824. Yes. There are a ton of things named after Lafayette in Norfolk, including the Lafayette River and Lafayette Park.
He really had talk to and interact with three famous generals in history: Simon Bolivar, Napoleon Bonaparte, and George Washington. Also another interesting fact, during the American Revolution he handed out swords to many American soldiers who had fought bravery while serving under him. One of them is a soldier name Daniel Shays, who would also later start a fail rebellion in the state of Massachusetts.
“I’m takin’ this horse by the reins makin’ Redcoats redder with bloodstains Lafayette! And I’m never gonna stop until I make ’em Drop and burn ’em up and scatter their remains, I’m Lafayette! Watch me engagin’ em! Escapin’ em! Enragin’ em! I’m- Lafayette! I go to France for more funds Lafayette! I come back with more guns And ships And so the balance shifts.”
“America has joined forces with the Allied Powers, and what we have of blood and treasure are yours. Therefore it is that with loving pride we drape the colors in tribute of respect to this citizen of your great republic. And here and now, in the presence of the illustrious dead, we pledge our hearts and our honor in carrying this war to a successful issue. Lafayette, we are here.” -Colonel Charles E. Stanton, US Army, July 4, 1917
At the 21 minute mark, there is an error in the date Lafayette ended his Farewell Tour of the US. It was 1825, not 1835. This is a nice summary of his life, but omits mention of his efforts to end slavery. He tried to convince our Founding Fathers that everyone should be free, and later had a plantation in French Guyana where he and his wife were paying formerly enslaved people to work it. This was taken from them during the French Revolution, and unfortunately the workers did not become freed. Also interesting to note that Adrienne and his daughters joined him in prison in Austria; there is a print in the article that shows them all together in the prison.
I want to say I think this is one of the best of Biographics. Also, in light of the political climate of disillusion and frustration in the US, I think this is a particularly relevant person to highlight. I know plenty of people who are so done with electoral politics and have given up on the idea that any improvement or reform can come from the madness. But I think that highlight Lafayette’s life, his tireless actions, and his devotion to his personal ideology can make a difference. Obviously he was a man with flaws and no individual in history (or alive today) should be blindly venerated and lauded as a savior, but it is still good to know that there were people like Lafayette who aren’t afraid to act and there are definitely still those kinds of people today.
17:07 funny for Lafayette to have said that, when Napoleon is the one who guaranteed Public Liberty and Civil rights with the Code Civil, the Code de Commerce, Code Pénal, Code d’instruction criminelle de 1808, Code de Procédure Civile, most of which are still in service to this day in France and other countries like Switzerland, and for the only two that changed it was in 2007 for one snd 1957 for the other.. But at the same time it isn’t strange, Lafayette was an aristocrat and royalist who couldn’t let go on his privileges for the commoners’ better life. When you deeply study his character you come to the realisation that what Lafayette wanted overall was power, something he couldn’t get with a king as he himself wasn’t a royal, and something he couldn’t get under Napoleon. Lafayette wanted a constitutional kingdom, still a king and aristocracy so as to not loose his privileges to the commoners, but a president/prime minister governing the country who wouldn’t necessarily need royal blood to govern, the perfect combination for him to be allowed to be in power. 1:01: Louis XVI wasn’t France last Bourbon king, his two brothers, Louis XVIII and Charles X were the last Bourbon Kings. Reinstating Louis XVIII as a king was one of the reasons Britain and the coalitions it founded launched war after war against France and the French people, and were defeated every single time for more than 20 years by Revolutionary France and Napoléon until the end.
When KY was first formed as a state there was a party, with lots of drinking, at the Capitol to celebrate Marquis de Lafayette coming to visit. John Brown’s, KY first Senator, wife Margaretta Brown did not approve of drinking, due to religion, and stayed home in protest with some of her friends. A few of the friends decided an opportunity to meet Marquis de Lafayette was to important to pass up and left to go to the party in hopes of seeing him. Five mins after they left Marquis de Lafayette showed up at the door to meet John Brown because he had so much respect for him. He had snuck out of his own party in order to pay the family a visit. Margaretta smugly wrote about this event in her diary, because she thought it was funny her friend’s missed meeting him because they buckled on their values. Apparently, he stayed for hours to talk to the group over tea. He didn’t go back to his party.
“America has joined forces with the Allied Powers, and what we have of blood and treasure are yours. Therefore it is that with loving pride we drape the colors in tribute of respect to this citizen of your great republic. And here and now, in the presence of the illustrious dead, we pledge our hearts and our honor in carrying this war to a successful issue. Lafayette, we are here.” – U.S. Army Colonel Charles E. Stanton.
I consider myself a history buff, but I must tell you, I think I’ve learned more and in such a joy of a way perusal these articles than I did in school reading text books that were outdated by 10 years because most of the school budget went to the football team. It’s okay I’m only a Teensy bit bitter. Mister Whistler, I would love to share a warm glass of whiskey with you and discuss history one day. You really know your stuff
“When the government violates the people’s rights, insurrection is, for the people and for each portion of the people, the most sacred of the rights and the most indispensable of duties.” The Marquis was too good of a man to have people quoting lines from that abortion of a play and not his actual statements.
America’s favorite fighting Frenchman. Dude snuck over to the US at 19 when the French wouldn’t let him come over. Earned his stripes with distinction. And now we have his name slapped all over the place. Mad lad of the highest caliber. Guy was lucky to have survived the French Revolution (albiet in prison) because they were so guillotine-happy with the beheadings. 😑
Simon, your articles are such a great part of my day. Every other coplue of days, I am searching for a new Biographics episode! Your articles have become a staple in my life, including your other websites as well! I have been reading “The 48 Laws of Power” and I see alot of Mr. Talleyrand, he was a hell of a diplomat, and I am sure he has a very interesting story. I, along with many others I suppose, would love to see a article on Talleyrand!! Thank you again for all of your content, you are making the lives of many of us during this quarantine quite content! (pun intended)
I only learned of this yesterday while perusal Ken Burn’s Ben Franklin biography 🎥 on PBS. The reason Lafayette received such a high commission was when he applied to the Continental Congress he was holding a letter of high recommendation from one of the most famous (and politically powerful) Americans at that time, Ben Franklin. Being rich didn’t hurt either.
He was an American citizen. 🇺🇸 He even would quip that he was an American citizen before he was a French citizen, and this is technically true even if it sounds preposterous. It is pretty interesting: 1) Maryland made him a naturalized citizen of Maryland in 1784, with the rights of his children to be citizens too for all time. So it wasn’t just an “honorary” citizenship. They made him a legit citizen like any other, with the rights of Maryland citizenship. This was before the US constitution was adopted. 2) Then in 1789, the US Constitution was adopted, and it specifies “All persons born or naturalized in the United States” are citizens of both the US and of the state they are citizen. (This is how US law works to this day: You are both a citizen of your state and a citizen of the USA. You have dual citizenship in a sense, and this actually does matter for technical legal reasons like what court your lawsuit can be heard in if you are suing another American from a different state, so it’s not just an “in theory” type of thing). 3) So, Lafayette immediately became an American citizen upon the adoption of the constitution, just like all Americans, because he was a naturalized citizen of a state. He was aware of this and would later tell people he was an American citizen before he was a French citizen — and this was technically true, because the concept of citizenship was not in place in France yet until the French Revolution. So yeah, he wasn’t just an “honorary” citizen.
All too often in politics and history you see leaders who claim to stand for high ideals and then abandon them once they gain power or they’re no longer convenient. The Marquis de Lafayette is one of the few who never did, he stood by those high ideals no matter the cost, he’s certainly worthy of his nickname, the Hero of the Two Worlds It would be nice if you could do the other three foreign generals who aided the USA in the war of independence and are immortalized in DC’s Lafayette Square, the Comte de Rochambeau, Tadeusz Kosciuszko and Friedrich von Steuben
Some Historians today are saying France finances were broke in large part due to the cost of the American war paid by French monarchy under the push of Lafayette and his very close supporters within the French court. Furthermore French historians do not put up Lafayette in such forefront of events vis a vis Napoleon, Louis XVIII, Charles X etc.
Idea for a BIOGRPAHICS EPISODE of ; willem van oranje (William of Orange) is known as the founding father and hero of The Netherlands (the Dutch). he made his fame when he led the Dutch uprising against the rule of the Spanish Habsburg, The uprise led to the 80-year war (in the Netherlands) (1568–1648) between the Dutch states and Spain There is a English page on wikipedia “William the Silent” that’s his nickname.
Simon why don’t you do a show about Howard Baskerville, the American teacher who gave his life to the Iranian constitution movement. He is called the “Lafayette of Iran” and Iranians adore him. There is even a portrait and a statue of him in Iran, and people still hold anniversaries for him and put flowers in his memorial.
God bless this hero❤️. Every American should see what a true hero means, and that means sacrifice. He was 19 years old and fought in the revolutionary war against the British when he was a French aristocrat and was wealthy, but he still fought against the British because he knew it was the right thing to do❤️
in WWI General Pershing’s men when they got to France all marched by Lafayette’s grave saluting and shouting “Lafyette we are here!” Lafyette is buried in France but his grave is filled with soil from the United States. I don’t think anyone said it better “LETS GIVE IT UP FOR AMERICAS FAVORITE FIGHTING FRENCHMAN!” viva la France, Americas oldest ally
Thank you Marquess Lafayette. Those Americans of which I am one, who love history know of all you did to assist our as yet non existent young nation gain our independence. We have not forgotten you or the help of France. As we got older many of us only know this when realized our public education in the US was severely lacking in many areas, the first being how we won our Revolutionary War of Independence from a country who should have quelled our uprising with one hand tied behind each British soldiers’ back. Curiosity made us dig deeper. I can’t help myself, NOVELETTE TIME. We continued to dig into our bloody Civil War being taught in southern schools it was called The War Between The States, fought for states rights—seriously—Slavery Under Another Name and 100 years of Jim Crowe laws used to marginalize blacks by preventing them from voting, from getting and holding jobs, to be able to attain an education and own property which was born after the assassination of President Lincoln causing his planned intervention for helping freed slaves attain equality and rebuilding the south without retribution being carried out. WWI the War to end all wars—spoiler, it didn’t—WWII which President Roosevelt recognized we should join but American pacifists said NAY NAY, did that World war thing and didn’t get a tee shirt, ironically thanking God Japan woke the Sleeping Giant; the Korean Police Action and the Vietnam Conflict—neither a DECLARED WAR by our Congress. My dad who retired after 30 years service joining the Marines at 16 lying about his age, was an enlisted man who fought in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam told me Korea and Vietnam was the bloodiest most ruthless encounters he had in the service.
A quibble, but a telling one. In the first, enthusiastic days of the French Revolution, many of the nobles gave up their aristocratic titles. Most resumed them afterwards; LaFayette never did. Though Americans liked to call him the Marquis, the only title he ever used after the Revolution was his American one of General.
Loved the article, as usual! It was very informative. 🙂 To be the broken record that I am, will you please do a Biographic on Ip Man, the martial arts mentor of Bruce Lee and the Grandmaster of Wing Chun? A series of action movies can’t do the great man justice like Biographics can! Thank you in advance!-A Loyal Subscriber
This article might be two years old, but when I first saw that title, I squealed! Lafayette and – surprise, surprise – Alexander Hamilton are my two favorite historical figures ever! (Needless to say, I also squealed when I first watched the Hamilton article). I’ll probably be coming back to this article quite a few times. Though I do have one small bit of criticism; Why didn’t Simon mention that Hamilton and Lafayette worked together in the Battle of Yorktown? He mentioned most of the other amazing friends that Lafayette made, but not Alex? Wasted chance there, man! Otherwise the article was great and makes me want to go back to my audiobooks on this incredible person.
I think the coolest thing Lafayette did was take soil from I think mount Vernon George Washingtons estate on one of his American trips cause he said he wanted to be buried in both American and France’s soil and us American owe alot to this man and any Americans visiting France his grave should be a mandatory stop long live Lafayette RIP
Yeah, I’m not famous or anything important, But my dad explained to me back when I was a little kid that we were related to a Lafayette, At the time I knew nothing about him, This was long before the time of the internet, So I did some really deep research in the encyclopedias at the school, And I quickly found out that my dad looked A lot like Lafayette, But my dad wasn’t as crazy as Lafayette, But this piece is definitely a very good retrospective
id like to see a article on Ernst Thalmann, one of the men who ran against Hitler, personally met Lenin, coined the term, “A vote for Hindenburg is a vote for Hitler; a vote for Hitler is a vote for war.”, survived an assassination attempt, and a ww1 veteran who fought in the Somme. He ended up being sent to Buchenwald by hitler personally. I understand if this is not really a popular one, but the 1932 elections were what brought hitler to power, and I dont really hear about it too much.
Lafayette was also an intense abolitionist, to the point of urging Washington to free his slaves. During the 1824-25 tour of the USA, Lafayette stopped a progression to greet & embrace a revolutionary veteran who happened to be a slave. If you visit his grave in Paris, bring a Washington quarter to put on his marker.
Suggestion for a BIOGRPAHICS episode; Judas Maccabeus was a Jewish priest (kohen) and a son of the priest Mattathias. He led the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire (the Greeks) (167–160 BCE). The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah (“Dedication”) commemorates the restoration of Jewish worship at the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 164 BCE, after Judah Maccabeus removed all of the statues depicting Greek gods and goddesses and purified it !
A British person saying the US Revolution was one of the most important wars in history is wild. Everyone besides America always downplays the war saying that the French revolution is the important war and the US Revolution is a foot note to it and not even worth talking about. One of his US based writers definitely wrote this script.
Simon, I didn’t watch your articles for a long time due to your 2nd Amendment bad mouthing, and your arrogant, not subtle disdain for gun owners. One of the freedoms that the marquis was reaching for. I found this article just short of a masterpiece of biography. You kicked some serious ass with it. Regards, A gun toting Constitutionalist and the service dog, Dharma
Sad you didn’t mention his weird role in the June revolt during the July Monarchy. Basically a group of republican Idealist students wanted to use the death of popular Napoleon era General Lamarque to stage a revolution of their own, and decided that the ideal tactic would be to conscript Lafayette – who was making the keynote speech at the general’s funeral – to serve as President (they were overwhelmingly to the left of him, but he was the only figure the revolutionaries agreed would have the gravitas to serve as the role, even though he would probably need to be forced to go along with their plans). Unfortunately, as documented in Les Miserables the uprising was a fiasco, and Lafayette wisely scarpered before he could be caught up in the violence.