Lafayette Joins the Revolution: French Aid Secured
The Marquis de Lafayette was nineteen years old, fabulously wealthy, and technically AWOL from the French army when he arrived in America in June 1777 to volunteer for the Revolution. Congress commissioned him a major general on July 31, 1777, though the appointment was initially honorary. Lafayette spent his own money to equip troops, was wounded at Brandywine, endured the winter at Valley Forge alongside his men, and proved himself a capable field commander. More importantly, his presence in America helped convince the French court to commit military and financial support to the Revolution, a decision that ultimately proved decisive. The Franco-American alliance he helped forge led directly to the British surrender at Yorktown.
July 31, 1777
249 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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