The French aristocrat who became a general in the Patriot (Continental) Army was Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette.

Who He Was

Lafayette was a young nobleman from an aristocratic French military family, born in 1757 in Auvergne, France. Drawn to Enlightenment ideals and hostile to British power, he decided in his late teens to support the American struggle for independence.

Role in the Patriot Army

Lafayette volunteered to fight for the American colonies and was commissioned a major general in the Continental Army at about 19 years old. He served under George Washington, fought at battles such as Brandywine and later played an important role in the campaign leading to the British defeat at Yorktown.

Why He Matters

Lafayette became a symbol of Franco‑American cooperation, helping secure increased French military support for the Patriot cause. Because of his service in both the American and French Revolutions, he is often remembered as a “hero of two worlds.”

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