Washington Lafayette And The Friendship That Saved The Revolution

In the annals of American history, one name stands out prominently – that of General George Washington. Known as the Father of his Country, Washington led the American colonies to victory against the British Empire, securing the freedom and independence of a newly formed nation. However, behind the scenes, there was another influential figure whose unwavering support and alliance played a crucial role in the success of the American Revolution: General Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, more commonly known as Lafayette.

A Bond Forged in Adversity

Washington and Lafayette first crossed paths during the bleak winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge. The Continental Army, ravaged by disease, poor supplies, and desertion, desperately needed a morale boost. Washington, the commander-in-chief, was struggling to maintain discipline and determination among his troops.

It was during this challenging period that a young French nobleman, barely 20 years old, arrived on American soil, motivated by a shared love for liberty and inspired by the ideas of the American Revolution. Lafayette's decision to join the cause immediately caught Washington's attention.

Adopted Son: Washington, Lafayette, and the Friendship that Saved the Revolution

by David A. Clary(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4462 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	592 pages

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Washington recognized in Lafayette a kindred spirit, a dedicated idealist willing to fight for the principles of freedom and justice. Impressed by the young Marquis's commitment, Washington appointed him as a major general, a move that would mark the beginning of a lifelong friendship and a partnership that would prove pivotal in shaping history.

The Battle for Independence

Over the next few years, Washington and Lafayette faced numerous challenges on the battlefield as they fought side by side, developing a deep camaraderie nurtured by trust, respect, and mutual admiration. Lafayette became an invaluable asset to Washington, not only for his military skills but also for his ability to rally support from his home country of France.

The decisive Battle of Yorktown in 1781 would prove to be a defining moment in the American Revolution. Washington, aided by Lafayette's tactical expertise and the French fleet led by Admiral de Grasse, successfully cornered British General Cornwallis, resulting in a stunning victory that forced the British to surrender. This strategic triumph would not have been possible without the relentless determination and collaborative efforts of Washington and Lafayette.

A Lifelong Friendship

The bond between Washington and Lafayette extended far beyond the battlefield. Lafayette often resided in Washington's quarters, and their frequent discussions went beyond military strategies, delving into matters of governance, liberty, and the future of the fledgling American nation.

Washington saw in Lafayette not just a military ally, but also a surrogate son. He provided guidance, mentorship, and helped shape Lafayette's philosophical ideas, molding him into a visionary leader. Similarly, Lafayette held Washington in high regard, considering him a father figure and the embodiment of the American ideals he so fervently fought for.

Even after the of the Revolutionary War, the friendship between Washington and Lafayette endured. Lafayette returned to the United States on two subsequent visits, once in 1784-1785 and again in 1824-1825. During these visits, he was greeted with immense adulation and affection from the American people, who recognized his contribution to their independence. On both occasions, Lafayette spent extended periods at Mount Vernon, Washington's plantation, reminiscing about their shared experiences, and reaffirming their enduring bond.

A Legacy of Friendship

The friendship between Washington and Lafayette represented much more than personal admiration and respect. It symbolized the alliance between the American colonies and France, a crucial partnership that played a pivotal role in securing American independence. Lafayette's unwavering belief in the cause, combined with Washington's strategic leadership, became a catalyst for the success of the American Revolution.

Even today, the legacy of their friendship lives on. The enduring bond between these two great men serves as a reminder of the transformative power of collaboration, unity, and shared values. It teaches us that the pursuit of freedom and justice requires individuals to rise above personal ambitions and champion the collective good.

As we commemorate the heroes of the American Revolution, let us not forget the significance of the friendship between Washington and Lafayette. It was a friendship that not only saved the revolution but also shaped the destiny of a nation.

Adopted Son: Washington, Lafayette, and the Friendship that Saved the Revolution

by David A. Clary(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4462 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	592 pages

FREE

They were unlikely comrades-in-arms. One was a self-taught, middle-aged Virginia planter in charge of a ragtag army of revolutionaries, the other a rich, glory-seeking teenage French aristocrat. But the childless Washington and the orphaned Lafayette forged a bond between them as strong as any between father and son. It was an unbreakable trust that saw them through betrayals, shifting political alliances, and the trials of war.

Lafayette came to America a rebellious youth whose defiance of his king made him a celebrity in France. His money and connections attracted the favor of the Continental Congress, which advised Washington to keep the exuberant Marquis from getting himself killed. But when the boy-general was wounded in his first battle, he became a hero of two countries. As the war ground on, Washington found in his young charge the makings of a courageous and talented commander whose loyalty, generosity, and eagerness to please his Commander in Chief made him one of the war’s most effective and inspired generals. Lafayette’s hounding of Cornwallis’s army was the perfect demonstration of Washington’s unconventional “bush-fighting” tactics, and led to the British surrender at Yorktown.

Their friendship continued throughout their lives. Lafayette inspired widespread French support for a struggling young America and personally influenced Washington’s antislavery views. Washington’s enduring example as general and statesman guided Lafayette during France’s own revolution years later.

Using personal letters and other key historical documents, Adopted Son offers a rare glimpse of the American Revolution through the friendship between Washington and Lafayette. It offers dramatic accounts of battles and intimate portraits of such major figures as Alexander Hamilton, Benedict Arnold, and Benjamin Franklin. The result is a remarkable, little-known epic of friendship, revolution, and the birth of a nation.