Origins & Early Life

Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette (French: [ʒilbɛʁ dy mɔtje maʁki d(ə) la fajɛt]; September 6, 1757 – May 20, 1834), known in the United States as Lafayette (), was a French military officer and politician who volunteered to join the Continental Army, led by General George Washington, in the American Revolutionary War. Lafayette commanded Continental Army troops in the decisive siege of Yorktown in 1781, the Revolutionary War's final major battle, which secured American independence. After returning to France, Lafayette became a key figure in the French Revolution of 1789 and the July Revolution of 1830 and continues to be celebrated as a hero in both France and the United States. Lafayette was born into a wealthy land-owning family in Chavaniac in the province of Auvergne in south-central France.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He followed the family's martial tradition and was commissioned an officer at age 13. He became convinced that the American revolutionary cause was noble, and he traveled to the Americas seeking glory in it. He was made a major general at age 19 but was initially not given American troops to command. He fought with the Continental Army at the Battle of Brandywine...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• 7th Dalai Lama — Contemporary (Died in 1757) (1757): Spiritual leader of Tibet, recognized as the 7th Dalai Lama from 1720 to 1757.
• George Vancouver — Contemporary (Born in 1757) (1757): Royal Navy officer and renowned explorer who charted vast regions of the Pacific Northwest.
• Rosalba Carriera — Contemporary (Died in 1757) (1757): Master Rococo painter, renowned for popularizing pastel portraiture in 18th-century Europe.
• Charles Spurgeon — Contemporary (Born in 1834) (1834): The 'Prince of Preachers,' a highly influential English Baptist evangelist and author.
• Edgar Degas — Contemporary (Born in 1834) (1834): Master draftsman celebrated for depictions of ballet dancers, bathers, and intimate moments.
• Ernst Haeckel — Contemporary (Born in 1834) (1834): Pioneering German zoologist, naturalist, and philosopher who shaped modern biology.
• Akira Kurosawa — Shared historical date (09-06 · Died) (1998): Master of Japanese cinema, known for dynamic style and epic storytelling.
• Anika Noni Rose — Shared historical date (09-06 · Born) (1972): Acclaimed American actress celebrated for Broadway triumphs and Disney voice roles.
• Andrew Scheer — Shared historical date (05-20 · Born) (1979): Canadian politician, former leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.
• Antoinette Brown Blackwell — Shared historical date (05-20 · Born) (1825): Pioneering American philosopher and the first ordained Protestant minister.
• 1757 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1757
• September 6 (09-06) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 6
• 1834 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1834
• May 20 (05-20) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 20