Essay: The American Revolution: Marquis de Lafayette

The American Revolution: Marquis de Lafayette
The American Revolution was the birth of individual independence in a new country. The 13 colonies (America) had finally broken away from Great Britain. Several people helped the American Revolution have its winning result. One of these people was Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, or Marquis de Lafayette. Lafayette was essential to the outcome of the American Revolution. He was important because he promoted optimism, secured crucial resources, and contributed strategic guidance.
During the revolution, Lafayette promoted optimism. He did this because of the upcoming of his background. Lafayette was born on September 6th, 1757 in France. His father died in the Seven Years War when he was two years old. He deeply sought after having a military career.   Lafayette was inspired to help the Americans resolve their cause for independence. He resigned from the French army, came to America and joined the Continental Army in 1777 as a volunteer Major General. The patriots were beginning to lose hope and stop fighting. When Lafayette came, he was proof that the Americans fight for independence was being heard around the world. In 1779, Lafayette returned to France. When he returned to America in 1780, he had gained the support of France for the Americans. The French were going to help the Americans win the revolution. By doing this he spread optimism to the men fighting in the war. Several soldiers began to lose hope and quit fighting. By hearing that they would have backup and resources, the soldiers’ confidence was restored.
Additionally, Lafayette also contributed to the outcome of the American Revolution by securing crucial resources. Lafayette helped the Patriots win the battle of Saratoga.  This battle, although the British won, proved victory to the Americans. It was the turning point in the war. The outcome of the Battle of Saratoga allowed the French to see that the Americans were wealth helping. On February 6, 1778, the Treaty of Alliance was signed. This treaty meant that the United States and France were allies against Great Britain in the American Revolution. The French supported the Americans with several thousand resources including military firepower and financial assistance. He bought a large amount of supplies for American troops he would command out of his own private account. Lafayette was particularly wealthy. This gave him some upper status with the French. When he went back to France in 1779, he pleaded King Louis XVI to send more resources. The French involvement in the American Revolution was essential. The French supplied over 50 warships, over 20,000 sailors, and over 10,000 soldiers to the war. Without the French involvement, the Americans had a slight chance of winning the war for independence. French resources persuaded by Lafayette helped the Americans win the battle of Yorktown. When the French joined the Americans at Yorktown, Virginia, Lafayette helped command the army against General Cornwallis and his forces. The French helped ensure victory by being an essential resource to the American cause.
Furthermore, Lafayette contributed strategic guidance throughout the war.
Lafayette helped train several soldiers and militia to fight in a war.  He served as a major-general and helped General Washington lead American and French forces to victory in the Battle of Yorktown. Lafayette guided about 5,000 troops to prevent General Cornwallis from leaving Yorktown, Virginia by land, while the French naval fleet prevented an escape by sea. Lafayette used his tactical skill to help defeat Cornwallis. Because of his strategic guidance and strong leadership, Lafayette was essential to the Revolutionary War.
Lafayette was an essential factor in the American Revolution. He was important to the outcome of the revolution because he promoted optimism, secured vital resources, and provided tactical leadership. Marquis de Lafayette once said, “I gave my heart to the Americans and thought nothing else but raising my banner and adding my colors to theirs.” Lafayette fought for the Americans cause as if it were his own. He fought for something greater than himself. He will forever be remembered as a hero to the United States of America.