Everything you need to know about Lafayette.

Or his full name: Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roche Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette

Yes. I know. It is long. He once joked in his autobiography, "I was baptized like a Spaniard, with the name of every conceivable saint who might offer me more protection in battle."

He was born September 6, 1757 in Chavaniac, France into a military family. His father dies in the Seven Year's War (French and Indian War). When his mother and grandfather died in 1770, Lafayette was left an orphan. (Poor baby). Lafayette then joined the Royal Army in 1771. In 1773, he married Marie Adrienne Francoise de Noailles. He was 16 and she was 14.

In 1777, Lafayette sailed to the Americas to assist the rebellious Patriots. He had no combat experience so it is no surprise he was shot in the leg during his first battle.

Lafayette slowly gained the credentials of a cunning leader. He became friends with General George Washington, a friendship that would last until Washington died. In 1781, Lafayette played a huge role in the last major battle of the War, in which Lieutenant General Lord Cornwallis (Britain) surrendered.

Lafayette returned to France in December of 1781. He rejoined the French army and was named Commander of the Paris National Guard in 1789. Lafayette co-wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen, a document inspired by America's ideals of the Revolution.

Lafayette began to strive for social reforms in the French society, but was mistrusted by French radicals. In 1792, Lafayette left France only to be captured and imprisoned by Austrians. In 1797, he was freed by Napoleon Bonaparte.

Lafayette argued for resignation of Napoleon after the Battle of Waterloo and after Charles X was overthrown in 1830, Lafayette was given the opportunity to become dictator which he turned down because of age.

Lafayette died May 20, 1834 after a battle with pneumonia. He is buried next to his wife under soil from Bunker Hill. He was called the "The Hero of the Two Worlds."

Fun Fact: He named his son George Washington Lafayette.

Sources:

http://www.ushistory.org/Valleyforge/served/lafayette.html

http://www.history.com/news/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-the-marquis-de-lafayette

http://www.biography.com/people/marquis-de-lafayette-21271783

https://www.nps.gov/york/learn/historyculture/lafayettebio.htm

A/N:

I know I know I know! Don't kill me!

It's been forever! I just haven't had any inspiration until I was laying at home sick with the flu when I rewatched Hamilton's America. So boom. I produced a lot. There will be more coming. I promise. Forgive me?