Jean Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Motier - 882 Words

Marquis de Lafayette At age nineteen, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Motier, commonly known as Marquis de Lafayette, abandoned his high social class in France and became a major General in the United States continental army. Lafayette had developed a strong relationship with George Washington, creating a friendship that would last a lifetime. He undeniably was a key component in securing the victory of the American Revolution. Marquis de Lafayette was one of the most successful leaders during the American Revolutionary War. Not long after coming to America, Lafayette was commissioned a Major General in the Continental Army and began a close relationship with George Washington. His loyalty to Washington was a factor that helped†¦show more content†¦His parents died at a young age, therefore he was forced to take care of himself. He was born into a family of military lineage, so at age 14 he joined the royal army, gaining not only military experience but also recognition. He married into a wealthy family in 1773, marrying Marie Adrienne Francoise de Noailles (Biography.com â€Å"Marquis de Lafayette†). This also helped him climb the social class ladder and become highly enough recognized to later convince the French government to send military aid to the United States. Lafayette had done an extraordinary job at persuading the French government to send aid to the United States continental army. â€Å"By 1777 they had negotiated approximately $2 million (about $35 million in 2013 dollars) in loans from France. As early as 1775 the French government began shipping arms and money to colonial rebels through dummy corporations created to hide the source of the gifts from the British.† (European Loans during the American Revolution†). This aid was vital to winning the revolution, Lafayette taking credit for being responsible for the aid makes him an even more successful leader. Lafayette’s first battle in the American Revolution was the Battle of Brandywine in September of 1777 (Biography.com â€Å"Marquis de Lafayette†). This battle highlighted his leadership skills greatly and proved he put his men above himself. Lafayette was