Marquis de Lafayette Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Marquis de Lafayette - Essay ExampleIt is unfortunate that Lafayettes extraordinary accomplish ments have faded from memory and that the thorniest issues he tackled such(prenominal) as racism, slavery, class difference, religious intolerance are still seen as major challenges in both America and France. On July 31, 1777, the Continental Congress introduced Lafayette, 19 to George Washington after Washington had taken neglect of the Colonial Army two years before and there were few foreigners interested in the American cause. Although the Congress told Washington that Lafayettes commission was purely honorific, he was not informed about it and Washington complained about Lafayettes expected command of a division. This made the success of American Revolution in doubt and for more than a year, there were only two critical victories in Trenton and Princeton and the soldiery only succeeded at evasion and retreat. Washington was worried that perhaps Philadelphia could fall to the enemies and therefore the only thing he had was the young French teenager, Lafayette (Gaines Web). Earl explains that Washington was subsequently given a leeway on making decision regarding Lafayettes role in the war and by September, he was riding with Washington into participation where he was wounded at Brandywine Creek (85-89). Washingtons personal physician then attended him and the history tells that Washington believed in Lafayette as a son and Lafayette treated him as a father. He treated Lafayette with fatherly tenderness however, the two men sometimes differed and could work against one another and their fundamental interaction symbolizes problematic relations between their two countries. Nevertheless, the friendship between the two continued for all the time Washington lived despite challenges and this friendship can be linked with the implausible French-American relationship. Lafayette always showed his sincere devotion and support of Washington, which made him seek for Washi ngtons approval before carrying out any soldiery duty (New-York Historical Society Web). Volunteering to aid America in their quest to secure independence was a crucial role that Lafayette played in a foreign nation. Learning that the British troops had evacuated Philadelphia, on June 19, 1778, Washington commanded his men to pursue the British across New Jersey and Lafayette advised Washington to take aim more soldiers to attack the rear of the British. Lafayette, alongside other officers including Wayne and Green explained that the general attack should be initiated if the results were favourable and Washington agreed to the plan. Lafayette then asked Lee who had ab initio been offered the command but contemplated disaster to let him lead the command. With Washington approval, Lafayette took the command and advanced to meet the British troops but upon further consideration, lee mat that Lafayettes success might tarnish his name against the congress (New-York Historical Society Web). Nevertheless, Lafayette refused to relinquish the command and he promised that he would only resign the command in favour of Lee if he does not find the enemy of which he did in the evening and lee assumed the charge of the division. Unfortunately, Washington and his men caught up with the British the following day thus prompting him to order lee to attack the enemy and that he would advance with other men to have the best the enemy. Surprisingly, upon