The Revolutionary - A study of the Marquis the Lafayette and his involvement in the American and French revolutions

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The Revolutionary

- A study of the Marquis de Lafayette and his involvement in the American and the French revolution

Zack Lindahl

Content

Introduction ………………………………………………………………. 2

A Frenchman in the New World……………………………………….… 3

- The Battle of Brandywine…….……………………………………………… 3

- The Battle of Yorktown – The End of the American Revolution……………….. 3 

Liberty, Equality and Fraternity………………………………………….4

- Liberal Politics…………………..………………………..…………………4

- Revolution!.....................................................................................................5

Analysis…………………………………………………………….……….6

Source Listing & Source Criticism…………………………………..……7

Introduction

The ideas about democracy and liberalism, which is such a cornerstone in the modern society dates back to the ancient Greeks. However, it was but 300 years ago that these ideas started to have a serious impact upon society. The European world was the first to be introduced to the idea of liberalism during the Enlightenment of the 18th century. During this era, the opinions about democracy and freedom were manifest in two major events, namely the American and the French revolution.

Many men became prominent historical figures during this era. The most famous of these are; George Washington, Maximilliam Robespierre and Louis XVI. These people are written about in the history books for their involvement in one of the revolutions. There is, however, a well-know historical figure who was not involved in just one of the revolutions, but both. This man was the Marquis de Lafayette.

The Marquis had an extremely adventurous life. He lived through two revolutions, both of which he was actively involved in. There are few men who have had the possibility to have such a profound impact upon their society as Lafayette. However, what impact did the Marquis de Lafayette really have? Would the two revolutions have looked different if he had not sympathized with the liberal ideas or if he had not existed at all?

A Frenchman in the New World

Lafayette was born in the castle of Chavagnac in Auvergne, the 6th of September 1757. At the tender age of 13, Lafayette lost both of his parents, leaving him a large fortune. The young Marquis chose a career as a soldier, and being of noble birth, instantly got the rank of an officer. During this time, when Lafayette served as an artillery captain at Metz, the British Colonies were attempting to break free from the English monarchy. Sympathies for the newly named Americans arose in France. Lafayette secured funds for a journey across the sea and eventually stood before Washington and presented his strong arm to George Washington, the Commander-in-Chief of the American Continental Army.

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The Battle of Brandywine

The Marquis de Lafayette first battled on American soil at the Battle of Brandywine Creek. He was part of Washington’s defense of Philadelphia, which was about to attacked by an English army under a certain General Howe. Howe’s plan was to attack Philadelphia from the east instead of coming up from the south from the British occupied New York. This however led to a huge delay, as instead of a swift march for 4-5 days, Howe’s army spent weeks at sea. Due to this, the Americans had plenty of time to fortify their position ...

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