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Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette

Imagine a brave French hero who helped America win its freedom and became a legend in two countries!

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Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (1757–1834)

Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (1757–1834)

openverse
Lafayette, Louisiana 4
Lafayette Square, Savannah, Georgia
Gilbert du Motier, 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!
'Your late purchase of an estate with a view of emancipating the slaves! On it, is a generous and noble proof of your humanity! Would to God a like spirit might diffuse itself generally into the minds of the people of this country!'
Lafayette, Louisiana
David d'Angers - La Fayette bust
LaFayette memorial
The Washington Monument -- Mount Vernon Place Historic District Baltimore (MD) 2012
Lafayette Square, Savannah, Georgia
Lafayette, Louisiana 2

Key Facts

Born
September 6, 1757.
Birthplace
Chavaniac, France.
Known For
Helping America win the Revolutionary War and being a hero in France.
Major Achievement
Became a Major General in the Continental Army at age 19.
Fun Fact
He is sometimes called 'The Hero of the Two Worlds' for his bravery in both France and America.

Meet the Hero Who Crossed the Ocean!

Have you ever heard of a hero who traveled all the way from France to help another country? That was Lafayette! He was a young nobleman from France who loved adventure and believed in freedom.

He heard about America fighting for its independence and decided to join the fight. He was so brave that he became a general, even though he was only 19 years old. That's younger than most people are when they finish high school!

He sailed across a huge ocean to help George Washington and the American soldiers.

Fighting for Freedom's Flag!

Lafayette wasn't just any soldier; he was a super important friend to America. He fought in big battles like Brandywine, where he got hurt but still helped his soldiers escape safely. He also helped plan the big win at Yorktown, which was like the final touchdown that helped America win the whole game of independence!

He was so good that he even went back to France to ask for more help for America. He was like a superhero ambassador!

A Friend to Two Worlds!

After helping America, Lafayette went back to France and became a hero there too! He was involved in big changes in France, like helping write a special paper about everyone's rights. He believed everyone should be free and treated fairly.

Later in his life, he visited America again, and people were so excited to see him! They cheered him everywhere he went. He's called 'The Hero of the Two Worlds' because he was loved in both France and America.

Why Lafayette is Super Cool!

Lafayette showed us that one person can make a big difference. He was brave, believed in freedom, and helped people in two different countries. He didn't just fight; he also believed in fairness for everyone. He's a reminder that even young people can do amazing things. His story is like a thrilling adventure about friendship, bravery, and fighting for what's right, making him a true legend.

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Based on content from Wikipedia · Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0