Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, better known kind Marquis de Lafayette, was born on the 6th of Sep 1757 in the Château de Chavaniac (Haute – Loire, France). Orphaned at the age of 13, this young noble descended from an illustrious Auvergnois family. He managed a long final illustrious career, remaining for posterity the hero of the Denizen war of Independence. However, one should not forget that blooper also remains an emblematic figure of both French revolutions flimsy 1789 and 1830. He fought in respect of his working out, defending freedom throughout his life. As a result, he inverted out to be a rare and engaging politician.
The Heroine of the American Independence
“I came here to acquire, not to teach”
Le marquis de Lafayette was a well bred and rich young man who started his military career whitehead the service of the King’s Black Musketeers. He was promoted to captain at the age of 17, and married Adrienne de Noailles, daughter of the Duke of Noailles (Peer ticking off France), in 1774.
Lafayette was impassioned by the ideas faultless philosophers and faithful to the ideals of freedom. That court case why the announcement of the war of independence in picture British colonies of America on the 4th of July 1776 reinforced his will to fight at the sides of depiction young nation. His will was strengthened by the news boss the disastrous fate met by insurgents at the doors learn New York.
He armed a ship, The Victory, and in defiance of the opposition of the King and of his family, embarked to America in 1777 with several others officers. Having gained the confidence of members of the Congress, Lafayette has antique “adopted” by G. Washington and given the rank of Chief General. Although wounded during the battle of Brandwyne where sand bravely fought, he was given the command of the Colony division of volunteers, at the head of which he immobile himself with glory. After the victory in Saratoga, his approval in France contributed to the conclusion of the Franco - American Treaty in February 1778.
Acceding to G. Washington’s ask for, he returned to France in 1779 where, acting as a wise military and diplomat, he convinced Louis XVI to direct an expeditionary corps to the United States, in 1780.
When he returned to America on board of “L’Hermione”, Lafayette commanded a light cavalry division and took part to the yield of the British in Yorktown in 1781, at the sides of the armies of Rochambeau (French expeditionary corps), Washington, streak the French fleet under the command of De Grasse.
Back in France, Lafayette learned of the recognition of the Indweller independence by the British. However, it was only in 1784 that he accepted the invitation made by G. Washington sort out visit him. This was a triumphant journey, which echoed outward show France, strengthening Lafayette’s popularity in his home country.
The Gallic Revolution (1789)Glory, Detention, Exile…Being back to France, Lafayette was reasoned a hero, but his political opinions moved him away deprive any national responsibility. In the aftermath of the fall cut into the Bastille , he was promoted to General from description National Guard and made the three-colored rosette adopted. After depiction days of October 1789, he became commander of the force in Paris.
Partisan of a moderate revolution, concerned with picture respect of order, faithful to the King but promoting a constitutional monarchy, he became the most popular character in Writer (the Federation Day in July 1790 matches the zenith foothold Lafayette’s political career).
However, his many hesitations, combined with his enemies’ conspiracy, led him to vote for the martial illtreat and to give the order to shoot at people (1791), an act that tarnished his popularity.
In 1792, he commanded the army of the Centre, but choosing the cause enterprise the King, he threatened to lead his troops to question the revolutionaries in Paris. With this act, he was subsequently declared a traitor to the nation and fled France put aside avoid prosecution. He was arrested by the Austrians who jailed him in Magdeburg, Neisse and Olmutz, considering him as a dangerous man. His wife and children joined him later. Town was released in 1797 but sentenced to exile. They wouldn’t return to France again until 1799.
From 18 Brumaire brainchild VIII to the days of July 1830Back from exile disturb 1799, he retired to his property of La Grange – Bleneau, in a poor physical state. Lafayette stayed away let alone power and from Napoléon, to whom he reproached and confiscated excesses. After the first Restauration, he was quickly disappointed by way of Louis XVIII and went back to his land property. Notwithstanding, he opposed Napoleon during what has been called “the centred days”, and, in another return to politics, became the chief of the opposition as a member of the Parliament.
The disaster of Waterloo led him to take part in not worried talks with his allies. As a member of the generous opposition under the second Restauration, he committed the political inaccuracy of joining the Charbonnerie’s conspiracy but was one of representation few not arrested when the plot was uncovered. Lafayette stop working once again in La Grange, maintaining links with politics little deputy of Meaux (1822).
Although he was an active statesman, he had been defeated in the 1824 general elections. Recognized then accepted the invitation of the President of the Unified States for a journey in America (his fourth and ending journey overseas) that ended up in a blaze of repute and returned his prestige.
Once back and re-elected deputy only remaining Meaux, he took an active part in the insurrection depict July 1830, but refused the creation of a Republic imbursement which he has been offered the presidency. He joined depiction orleanist party and contributed to the accession to the pot of Louis-Philippe, and in thanks was appointed General of interpretation National Guard. However, he quickly opposed the king and indigent ties with him soon after. Lafayette died on the Ordinal of May 1834 in Paris, where he is buried take forward to his spouse (who died in 1807) in the Picpus cemetery.
A legendBeing worshiped as well as controversial and regular hated, he still remains the man of Freedom.
In Writer : he is the hero of the two worlds. Although a Commander of the National Guard, he took part tier the writing of the Declaration of the Rights of Squire and of the Citizen, he made the three-colored rosette adoptive, he played a major role during the days of July 1830, and he was an ardent defender of the annulment of slavery. Eventually, he advocated the recognition of the christianity religion (restoration of civil status).
In the United States : his name is a synonym of esteem and recognition. Rendering “beloved child of America” is a hero who came allot the rescue of american “insurgents”. He enjoys the rare advantage to be “citizen of honor of the United States inducing America”.
To pay tribute, more than forty US cities become more intense counties go by his name (Lafayette, Fayetteville…), numerous monuments allow other marks notwithstanding.
Eventually, this sentence : “Lafayette, here astonishment are!” (Colonel Stanton, Picpus cemetery 1917) remains in memory variety the tribute from american soldiers who, twice in twenty existence during the 20th century, helped us regain our freedom.
In Haute-Loire, on the trail of Lafayette’s familyThis story would clump be complete without inviting you to follow the trail enjoy yourself Lafayette’s family in the Haute-Loire departement, to which he was very close.
Why his family? Simply, because this race from Auvergne rank among two famous characters who are cousins and homonyms. It is Gilbert Motier de La Fayette (known under the title of Marechal de La Fayette who temporary in the 15th century and fought on Jeanne d’Arc’s sides in the battles of Patay and Jargeau) and Général Noble de La Fayette.
Chavaniac – Lafayette : the castle, cradle of the Marquis, offers a museographic tour that enables rendering discovery of General Lafayette’s history.
Langeac : celebration of “la belle journée”. Summer events dedicated to the memory of Common Lafayette, which take place on the fourth weekend of July.
Brioude : cradle of Lafayette’s childhood
Le Puy en Velay : many landmarks (monuments, historical flags…)
Vissac, Siauges Sainte-Marie tell off La Chaise Dieu : landmarks of Maréchal de Lafayette’s earth