Marquis de Lafayette

Date of Birth: September 6, 1757

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: May 20, 1834

Biography

Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, commonly known as Lafayette, was a French aristocrat and military officer born on September 6, 1757. He is best known for his role in the American Revolutionary War and his continued advocacy for liberty and human rights throughout his life. Lafayette’s involvement in the American Revolution began in 1777 when he sailed to America, offering his services to the Continental Army without pay. He quickly became a close friend and trusted ally of General George Washington and played a crucial role in several key battles, including the Siege of Yorktown, which effectively ended the war. After returning to France, Lafayette continued to be a prominent figure, advocating for democratic reforms and participating in the French Revolution. He was a member of the Estates-General and later the National Assembly, where he worked on drafting the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. Despite his noble status, Lafayette’s commitment to liberty and equality often put him at odds with radical factions during the Revolution. Lafayette’s legacy extends beyond his military and political achievements. He is remembered as a symbol of the enduring friendship between France and the United States and as a tireless advocate for human rights. He passed away on May 20, 1834, in Paris, France.

5 Interesting Facts about Marquis de Lafayette

1. Lafayette named his only son Georges Washington de Lafayette in honor of George Washington.

2. He was made an honorary citizen of the United States in 2002, one of only eight people to receive this honor.

3. Lafayette’s return visit to the United States in 1824-1825 was met with immense celebrations and he toured all 24 states.

4. He played a crucial role in the drafting of the “Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen” during the French Revolution.

5. Lafayette was imprisoned for five years during the French Revolution, primarily due to his moderate political stance.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Marquis de Lafayette

1. “Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country.”

2. “True republicanism is the sovereignty of the people. There are natural and imprescriptible rights which an entire nation has no right to violate.”

3. “When the government violates the people’s rights, insurrection is, for the people and for each portion of the people, the most sacred of rights and the most indispensable of duties.”

4. “I am not a friend to a very energetic government. It is always oppressive.”

5. “The welfare of America is closely bound up with the welfare of all mankind.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Being an aristocrat, Lafayette inherited substantial wealth, but specific net worth figures from his time are not precisely documented. However, his highest net worth would have been equivalent to several million dollars in today’s currency, primarily due to his extensive land holdings and noble status.

Children

Lafayette had four children with his wife Adrienne de Noailles: 1. Henriette de Lafayette (1776–1778) 2. Anastasie Louise Pauline du Motier de La Fayette (1777–1863) 3. Georges Washington Louis Gilbert de Lafayette (1779–1849) 4. Marie Antoinette Virginie du Motier de La Fayette (1782–1849)