Between 1775 and 1783, the United States of America experienced the events of the Revolutionary War, during which the thirteen colonies rose up against British authority following a series of disputes that came after the Seven Years' War. After years of fighting, the war resulted in the signing of the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783, under which Britain formally recognized the independence and sovereignty of the United States of America.

During this war, France supported the thirteen colonies before officially intervening on their side in 1778. In addition to equipment, France sent tens of thousands of soldiers to the thirteen colonies. At that time, the French military commander Marquis de Lafayette was among these forces sent to support the Americans.

Lafayette in the Revolutionary War

During the Revolutionary War, Lafayette, at the age of 19, volunteered to fight alongside the Continental Army, believing in the idea of the people's right to self-determination and freedom. Between 1777 and 1778, the latter was sent to the colonies without pay, as the Continental Congress agreed to grant him an important position in the Continental Army and later appointed him a general. He also became a close friend of George Washington and served under his command during the war.

Despite being wounded at the Battle of Brandywine, Lafayette continued fighting and returned to France in 1779, where he persuaded King Louis XVI to send more troops to support the independence of the thirteen colonies. Meanwhile, during the war, Lafayette strengthened Franco-American relations and in 1781 led Continental Army forces in Virginia to pressure the British. He also played a prominent role in the Siege of Yorktown, which saw the victory of the Continental Army and its allies.

An oil painting depicting Marquis de Lafayette alongside George Washington

Lafayette's Life in France

In the United States of America, Lafayette became a national hero and was granted honorary citizenship in 2002, 168 years after his death. Upon his return to France, he held important positions and after the Revolution became the commander of the National Guard before fleeing and surrendering to the Austrians following the overthrow of Louis XVI. After five years in captivity, he returned again to France, but was excluded from all political positions during the Napoleonic era.

Painting depicting Lafayette in 1826

Visit to the United States

Beginning in 1824, Lafayette decided to go to the United States, where he received a hero's welcome and traveled among the various states that welcomed and honored him.

After receiving an official invitation from U.S. President James Monroe, Lafayette, who was under surveillance by King Louis XVIII, left France on July 13, 1824, heading to the United States, arriving on August 15 of the same year. Upon his arrival, Lafayette landed on Staten Island before beginning a 13-month tour that covered 24 American states.

At Monticello, he met his friend Thomas Jefferson, and was given a hero's welcome at the White House, where he met President James Monroe.

Painting depicting U.S. President James Monroe

During his travels between cities and villages, hundreds of thousands of Americans gathered to welcome him, and many areas held dinner banquets in his honor. In addition to meeting several of his old comrades from the Revolutionary War, the French general visited the tomb of President and former companion George Washington. Many states also named dozens of cities, villages, and neighborhoods after him in commemoration of his heroic deeds and contributions to the independence of the United States of America.

Moreover, before his departure, the U.S. Congress granted him $200,000, along with a vast amount of land.

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