The Marquis de Lafayette was an improbable leader in the American Revolutionary War. Born into the French aristocracy in 1757 and orphaned at age 13, Lafayette was left with a vast inheritance and estate. At only 14 years old, he joined the Royal Army, following in the footsteps of his family’s prestigious military history. Two years later, he expanded his wealth and ties to French nobility by marrying Marie Adrienne Francoise de Noailles, a relative of the King.
And yet, despite his wealth and high standing in French aristocracy, Lafayette was not content. During a stay in Paris, he learned of the American colonists’ revolt against the British. He began to attend and participate in <span>sociétés de pensée </span>(philosophical societies) with other intellectuals who sympathized with the colonists and their goal of independence. He was also accepted into the Masonic Military Lodge, where he could speak freely about the ideas of revolution and setting up a Republic.
At these meetings, European intellectuals, academics and philosophers discussed the rights of man, the abolition of slavery, and the principles of the American movement, emphasizing the importance of equality and liberty. These principles were heavily influenced by the Enlightenment philosophies introduced a few decades before the American Revolutionary War. Enlightenment thinkers stressed reason, rationality and individualism. They challenged ideas rooted in tradition and religion, such as superstitions, and inherited wealth and privilege. Instead they suggested reform through intellectual study and scientific method. Among their philosophies was the idea that citizens should be granted equality and individual freedoms.
At the time, France was a monarchy, which means a king or queen ruled the country. The king or queen inherited this position from birth. Members of the royal family and other privileged-by-birth aristocrats controlled power and wealth within the country, while peasants and other poor people paid extremely high taxes, which were levied in order to support the extravagant lifestyles of the rich.
In the decades before Lafayette was born, Enlightenment philosophies had inspired the belief that it was possible to change society and the structure of government. Most Enlightenment thinkers believed such reform was essential for progress. And now, in the echoes of news about the American Revolutionary War, it seemed that this was not only possible, but actually happening.
For Lafayette, and other French citizens, the American Revolutionary War began to represent ideas of equality and freedom, and the idea that it was possible to reorganize the structure of the government. The American colonists were fighting against unfair taxation. They were also under rule of a monarchical government. Seeing the colonists fight against the monarchy inspired many French citizens. The idea that change was possible—and happening—was an especially important belief for the poor people of France, who were paying much higher taxes than the rich.
The goal of equality and freedom together with the widespread resentment of the British after the Seven Years’ War was a catalyst for many Frenchmen to join the colonists’ cause. Likewise, Lafayette, enchanted by the idealism and bravery of American soldiers, vowed to support the colonists’ struggle.
This would not be easy for Lafayette to do. He was born into a noble family and class. Ironically, he was a member of the class that seemed to benefit most from the current structure of government in France. Joining the American cause had the potential to both alienate him and disgrace his family. But Lafayette was determined to help the American cause. After secretly negotiating with like-minded French rebels, he signed an agreement to enter the American service and persuaded several other French soldiers to accompany him to America.
In 1777, Lafayette embarked on his ship La Victoire and sailed for 54 days across the Atlantic to arrive in South Carolina. At this time, he spoke only a few words of English that he learned on his journey. Even more astounding, Lafayette was only 19 years old!
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