Marquis De Lafayette

Lafayette made his own way to the American colonies in an effort to gain military fame. He landed in Philadelphia in July 1777, untrained for battle and under the age of twenty. He first met General George Washington on August 5, 1777, and they later developed a father-son bond. He took part in his first engagement at the Battle of Brandywine, when despite being hurt, he was able to plan a calm retreat. He was awarded command of his own division after engaging in fierce combat during the conflict. He continued to fight, taking part in engagements in Rhode Island, Monmouth, and Barren Hill.

On May 28, 1778, at Barren Hill, despite being greatly outnumbered, he led a brilliant withdrawal. Lafayette departed for home in 1799 to advocate for further French backing. He returned to America the next year and was given commanding positions in the Continental Army. He went on to serve with distinction in several more battles. His most crucial contribution, nevertheless, came in 1781 when troops under his command in Virginia captured Cornwallis until more French and American forces could set up for the final Yorktown Siege. Marquis de Lafayette played a significant part in the French Revolution after returning to his native country, contributing to the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.