If we're going to add non-Americans to the list of those who helped win the AmericanRevolution, let us not forget Casimir Pulaski and Friedrich von Steuben.
I've always loved this quote: "LAFAYETTE, WE ARE HERE." These words were spoken during World War I at the tomb of the Marquis de Lafayette during a speech honoring his heroic service in the cause of the American Revolution. On 4 July, 1917 Paris celebrated American Independence Day. A U.S. battalion marched to the Picpus Cemetery, where several speeches were made at Lafayette's tomb. The historic words uttered on that occasion, "Lafayette, nous voilà" (Lafayette, we are here), have been popularly, but erroneously, attributed to General John J. Pershing. He stated that they were spoken by Colonel Charles E. Stanton, and "to him must go the credit for coining so happy and felicitous a phrase."
@@annadrift4Why you so sad? It meant that they felt a camaraderie with him. And soldiers feel debt all the time. You feel a debt for your country which is why you fight for it. And it's a good feeling and very honorable to have completed a debt. The word debt does not always have a negative connotation that you're giving it
How big of Pershing to give the quote to whom it belong to. Many generals, I could think of MacArthur for one, would have grabbed that glory for themselves
Bonus fact: Lafayette’s imprisonment was made significantly better after American diplomats(after failing to outright get his release) noted he never was paid for his service in the American Revolution. Surprisingly, Congress actually agreed on something, and swiftly approved his pension, allowing Lafayette a comfortable confinement.
@@HistoryHappens According to those who maintain Mount Vernon, Washington's home Lafayette collected the soil for his burial from Mount Vernon. He toured the US extensively but I doubt he visited all of the states. By the way his son was named George Washington Lafayette.
Eric Yung I for one want to come back under the once a Briton always one law. This is experiment is a bloody disaster. Ask the millions starving here today with no job no health care no nothing. No Tudor Windsor or for that matter no bloody Plantagenet even would leave their people this way. 🏴
I was never taught about Lafayette (and a l o t of other things) at my school. Thank god I’m interested in history and learned about him myself. The American education system is jacked the hell up.
I was lucky enough to have had public elementary, middle, and high school teachers who discussed Lafayette and his role in our War for Independence in length, so it wasn't until I was in university that I began to meet people who had never heard of him other than a passing mention of his name! What??? How?? Why?? It made NO sense to me, whatsoever and still doesn't! He was an essential ingredient to our melting pot of independence that we may never have known, without his dedication to personal liberation and freedom.
Hero of Two Worlds by Mike Duncan -2021 (Public Affairs). Debuted in August 2021 at number one on the Washington Post bestseller list; number three on the NYT list. (Full disclosure: yes, he’s our son.)
I knew how both important and largely unrecognized he was in the American Revolutionary War. I knew how integral he was in the French Revolution. I did not know how much more he was involved with. He should get and deserves so much more recognition. This was one of the best videos you've done so far!
I agree. I am a French teacher and I used to teach French history as content to my upper levels. I only ever made it to the French Revolution by the end of the year. I knew about him of course, but I think I will do more reading on him to learn even more nuance. Wow! What a man, what a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty fine man...
Few exactly realized how historic and unprecedented America's formation as a sovereign country was. Lafayette did. A turning point in the history of humanity.
Lafayette has always been one of my favorite heroes of the revolution. He's pretty much the only Frenchman that American history reveres. We crack jokes about the French mostly because of the WWII surrender, but no one talks crap about Lafayette
One of the only highlights of John Quincy Adams' presidency was an impassioned funerary oration that he delivered to the US Congress upon La Fayette's death; done in the Ancient Roman tradition.
I don't think that's fair to the French. It's rather arrogant of us Americans and other nationals who make such pokes. Really, the French among many other nations establishing a democratic republic from an absolute monarchy was always a difficult thing to pull off and to sustain. The US was only luck in that it had the British's Civil War and resulting constitutional laws to expand on, a constitutional Monarchy. And it wasn't all fancy pants and wonder berries for the US either, entering a civil war just 80 years later. Dutch, a republic during the US Revolutionary War, went back to being a constitutional monarchy that it has remained to this day. Venice and other Italian States were more monarchical or nobility republics a form of constitutional monarchy. Forming a republic isn't easy. It took France almost a century to eventually form a reliable one without it diverting toward an insane conspiracy cranked fueled lunatics like Robespierre or Banana Republic emperor dictator Napoleon. Russia's turned into a blood bath and still today they're in a weird pseudo republic dictatorship monarchy like thing. Germany's and Austria's only happened after World War 1, then it turned into... well we know how that went down. And only After WW2 did they form a long lasting non-monarchical republic. Democracies are still very very very new relative to recorded history. They're much better than all other governmental types to the common person, but difficult to create and to maintain. The French should be given credit, they had to keep trying over and over to develop a republic that would eventually work without turning into some new form of semi-constitutional/absolute monarchy or dictatorship. Their spur to incite revolution shouldn't be mocked. But admired. A democratic republic can only exist and be maintained if the people participate in it.
Though denied a eulogy at his funeral, Simon just made up for it with an outstanding one. I got goosebumps in the final minutes of this video. In earnestness, well done Biographics.
Quincy Adam delivered a good one as well, to Congress. Definitely worth reading for a good sense of how they viewed the man from a past they'd only read about.
I actually met one of Lafayette's descendants in 2017. He came to see a French Dance Troupe performance about the life of Lafayette at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, USA. It took place on the anniversary of when Lafayette arrived in Norfolk for his farewell tour on October 19, 1824. Yes. There are a ton of things named after Lafayette in Norfolk, including the Lafayette River and Lafayette Park.
My family is descended from both him and Sam Houston, we carry both names. People have a hard time believing you share ancestry with two historical figures but the history of the United States is very short compared to most countries.
@@paulheap1982 That wasn't my point. All this "glory" nonsense aside; many of these "19 years old boys" (average age) are left emotionally scared for Life - 'PTS' . This is Not a imaginary malady. Please watch "Wartorn" a HBO documentary directed by James Gandolfini ( yes, from the "Sopranos") . It's worth your time . thank you.
"I'm takin' this horse by the reins makin' Redcoats redder with bloodstains Lafayette! And I'm never gonna stop until I make 'em Drop and burn 'em up and scatter their remains, I'm Lafayette! Watch me engagin' em! Escapin' em! Enragin' em! I'm- Lafayette! I go to France for more funds Lafayette! I come back with more guns And ships And so the balance shifts."
We rendezvous at Rochambeau and consolidate their gifts. We can end this war at York town, cut them off sea but for this to succeed there's someone else your gonna need. I know. HAMILTON. sure he knows what to do with the trench ingenuity and he's fluent in French I mean. HAMILTON. You gotta use him eventually. HAMILTON. No one has more resilience or matches my practical tactical brilliance
@@yooperman7537 it’s through the king’s mother, making King Philippe the great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandson of the Marquis De Lafayette
He really had talk to and interact with three famous generals in history: Simon Bolivar, Napoleon Bonaparte, and George Washington. Also another interesting fact, during the American Revolution he handed out swords to many American soldiers who had fought bravery while serving under him. One of them is a soldier name Daniel Shays, who would also later start a fail rebellion in the state of Massachusetts.
Everyone give it up for America's favourite fightin' Frenchman! Edit: back 7 months later and I had no idea my OG comment got over 700 likes! Thanks :)
A crime that American history classes don’t talk about him more. A truly great man that perfectly embodies what it means to be American, and he IS American, even if he is also French.
"America has joined forces with the Allied Powers, and what we have of blood and treasure are yours. Therefore it is that with loving pride we drape the colors in tribute of respect to this citizen of your great republic. And here and now, in the presence of the illustrious dead, we pledge our hearts and our honor in carrying this war to a successful issue. Lafayette, we are here." -Colonel Charles E. Stanton, US Army, July 4, 1917
1:30 - Chapter 1 - Born to fight 4:50 - Chapter 2 - The hero of two worlds 6:55 - Chapter 3 - Revolution (Part 1 : Paris Burning) 10:30 - Mid roll ads 11:45 - Chapter 4 - Revolution (Part 2 : Terror reigns) 15:15 - Chapter 5 - The age of empire 19:35 - Chapter 6 - The last revolution
A musical about Lafayette would be amazing. Starting with him in the American revolution and ends when the American troops arrived in France centuries later.
Fun fact: Fayetteville, North Carolina was named one honor of Lafayette. The first place in the United States named for him. As a former resident of Fayetteville, NC, I can say that Lafayette is still held on high regard there.
At the 21 minute mark, there is an error in the date Lafayette ended his Farewell Tour of the US. It was 1825, not 1835. This is a nice summary of his life, but omits mention of his efforts to end slavery. He tried to convince our Founding Fathers that everyone should be free, and later had a plantation in French Guyana where he and his wife were paying formerly enslaved people to work it. This was taken from them during the French Revolution, and unfortunately the workers did not become freed. Also interesting to note that Adrienne and his daughters joined him in prison in Austria; there is a print in the video that shows them all together in the prison.
Could we get a biographics about Jules Verne? I’d love to hear what in his life could have influenced and inspired the father of modern science fiction. I love your episodes about artists and writers and hearing their life experience/their time period bleeding into they’re work.
@@skizzik121 I believe they covered his body of work and contribution to sci fi, but I’d like to know more about what drove him into writing and highs and lows of his personal life.🤓
I want to say I think this is one of the best of Biographics. Also, in light of the political climate of disillusion and frustration in the US, I think this is a particularly relevant person to highlight. I know plenty of people who are so done with electoral politics and have given up on the idea that any improvement or reform can come from the madness. But I think that highlight Lafayette's life, his tireless actions, and his devotion to his personal ideology can make a difference. Obviously he was a man with flaws and no individual in history (or alive today) should be blindly venerated and lauded as a savior, but it is still good to know that there were people like Lafayette who aren't afraid to act and there are definitely still those kinds of people today.
I live in Fayette county PA. I served at fort Bragg and spent a considerable amount of time in Fayetteville NC. I lived 2 streets down from a historic landmark that heralds that the Marquise de la fayette stayed there. the man left his mark
When KY was first formed as a state there was a party, with lots of drinking, at the Capitol to celebrate Marquis de Lafayette coming to visit. John Brown's, KY first Senator, wife Margaretta Brown did not approve of drinking, due to religion, and stayed home in protest with some of her friends. A few of the friends decided an opportunity to meet Marquis de Lafayette was to important to pass up and left to go to the party in hopes of seeing him. Five mins after they left Marquis de Lafayette showed up at the door to meet John Brown because he had so much respect for him. He had snuck out of his own party in order to pay the family a visit. Margaretta smugly wrote about this event in her diary, because she thought it was funny her friend's missed meeting him because they buckled on their values. Apparently, he stayed for hours to talk to the group over tea. He didn't go back to his party.
Can you do another American Revolution hero and father of the United States Navy, John Paul Jones? His career is the epitome of the term "fact is stranger than fiction." When he was outmanned and outgunned by the Royal Navy, his first impulse was to attack the British home waters!
@@Framsky even if they were, I honestly am tired of the "diversiveness" in Hamilton. That line was obviously put there for that reason, and it is funny bc if you were to ask Hamilton himself what he thought of that, he'd angerly refuse it. Usually people from the past were not kin to modern ideals, which is sad.
Family reference: My Great-Great-Grandmother was so enamored by Lafayette's history, that she named her one and only son: "General (his first name) Lafayette (middle name) Buchanan". Everyone just called him, Fayette.
"America has joined forces with the Allied Powers, and what we have of blood and treasure are yours. Therefore it is that with loving pride we drape the colors in tribute of respect to this citizen of your great republic. And here and now, in the presence of the illustrious dead, we pledge our hearts and our honor in carrying this war to a successful issue. Lafayette, we are here." - U.S. Army Colonel Charles E. Stanton.
May God bless the hero of two worlds such a legendary story of courage, skill of battle and the will to care and fight with his fellow men in battle to impact history such hero shall be praised forever thank you Marques de Lafayette long live your name in the history books.
I first learned about the Marquis' American tour in the 1800s when I stumbled across a faded stone embedded in the wooden retaining wall of a parking lot in my hometown and crudely engraved with a commemorative inscription from 1825.
Growing up in New Hampshire, there are lakes/mountains/streets named Lafayette. You can see Mt. Lafayette on your way up to the top of Mount Washington
@@epicjorjorsnake2525 Well if you study history and American history in particular it's pretty clear what they teach in school is basically propaganda. It's taught to always make America look good etc etc.
Speak for yourself I was taught about him and how important his and French intervention was to the revolution. Just because of your personal experience doesn’t mean every school is like that in America. Also you probably just didn’t listen.
@Kroi Albanoi yeah no... the Americans did most of the fighting the French gave supplies and knowledge of war to the Americans. It took years till the French actually sent troops. Which mostly consisted of its navy. Which was instrumental in winning the revolution especially Yorktown. But to say France was doing the work for them is so utterly ignorant it’s laughable. So you fight the extreme notion of America did everything with another extreme America did nothing when the truth is in between... are you not doing the exact thing you are commenting against? Twisting the truth to fit your narrative? I guess nuance is dead and you have to pick between radicals
Now that you’ve done on the well known LaFayette, you HAVE to do one on the soldier who sits in his park across from the White House: Tadeusz Kościuszko. That guy was pretty amazing, too.
No mention of James Armistead Lafayette? That’s one of my favorite parts of this story. Sadly Wiki and most other sources barely skim over this subject, but it’s amazing and inspirational.
If you look up “French Revolution film 1989” on TH-cam you’ll find a 2 part movie where Sam Neil plays Lafayette. He’s great in the role and it’s a really good movie overall!
"When the government violates the people's rights, insurrection is, for the people and for each portion of the people, the most sacred of the rights and the most indispensable of duties." The Marquis was too good of a man to have people quoting lines from that abortion of a play and not his actual statements.
With all due respect, Thomas Jefferson helped him with that. Furthermore, popular media igniting the curiosity of a new generation is a win in my eyes. I know it has revived my love for history, focusing on the American and French Revolutions. It’s thanks to the “abortion of a play”
@@grc3rb With all due respect, those of us who enjoy history for what it is on its own merits will continue to enjoy it through its own realistic lens and not that of a cultural abomination for tweets and clapbacks. If it takes a wild reinterpretation of historical figures and what really happened for Broadway acclaim, it isn't history you're paying attention to and liking, it's pop culture. Carry on as you see fit, doesn't stop it from being what it is: an abortion of a play lmfao.
@@dtice69 does this opinion extend to historical all historical plays? Richard the 3rd? Julius Caesar? Pop culture becomes part of history. Bethoven’s 3rd symphony was composed and and almost dedicated to Napoleon. Your view is very selective. I’m really getting into European history because a spark was ignited. I’m sure your better taste and your air of superiority is surely well justified. I suppose that to the rabble such as myself, reading history from a monotone uninterested, and uninspired teacher in the 7th grade didn’t provide that. Most people can’t name most historical figures. Now I count myself a bit more knowledgeable if not smarter.
Jose Garcia WHY are you such a dick? Let other people have differing views. The above commenter is correct in the analysis of you loving pop culture. Christ almighty, the US is done for.
I think it’s sad how few Americans these days know who Lafayette was. They talk about living their country, but are ignorant to the fact that without him, there may not have been a United States
Is it any wonder that Lt. Colonel Charles E. Stanton, while visiting LaFayette's tomb in Paris with General Pershing on July 4, 1917, made the classic statement, "LaFayette, we are here!"? C'était un grand homme. Stay safe, everyone.
I know it is a small section of history but i would love to see videos on Ireland, say Henry Grattan/Flood, the United Irishmen and Theobald Wolfe Tone or the 1798 rebellion. Just suggestions if you are looking for possible ideas.
I consider myself a history buff, but I must tell you, I think I've learned more and in such a joy of a way watching these videos than I did in school reading text books that were outdated by 10 years because most of the school budget went to the football team. It's okay I'm only a Teensy bit bitter. Mister Whistler, I would love to share a warm glass of whiskey with you and discuss history one day. You really know your stuff
Simon, your videos are such a great part of my day. Every other coplue of days, I am searching for a new Biographics episode! Your videos have become a staple in my life, including your other channels as well! I have been reading "The 48 Laws of Power" and I see alot of Mr. Talleyrand, he was a hell of a diplomat, and I am sure he has a very interesting story. I, along with many others I suppose, would love to see a video on Talleyrand!! Thank you again for all of your content, you are making the lives of many of us during this quarantine quite content! (pun intended)
Thank you for your educational videos. I kinda think I know all I need to about a person/subject and then I watch one of your videos and learn how little I actually do know.
All too often in politics and history you see leaders who claim to stand for high ideals and then abandon them once they gain power or they're no longer convenient. The Marquis de Lafayette is one of the few who never did, he stood by those high ideals no matter the cost, he's certainly worthy of his nickname, the Hero of the Two Worlds It would be nice if you could do the other three foreign generals who aided the USA in the war of independence and are immortalized in DC's Lafayette Square, the Comte de Rochambeau, Tadeusz Kosciuszko and Friedrich von Steuben
@@sylvainprigent6234 I’m a Canadian so everything here is really Fenchy...... but One of my favourite places in alberta Canada is known as slyvain lake
America's favorite fighting Frenchman. Dude snuck over to the US at 19 when the French wouldn't let him come over. Earned his stripes with distinction. And now we have his name slapped all over the place. Mad lad of the highest caliber. Guy was lucky to have survived the French Revolution (albiet in prison) because they were so guillotine-happy with the beheadings. 😑
I only learned of this yesterday while watching Ken Burn’s Ben Franklin biography 🎥 on PBS. The reason Lafayette received such a high commission was when he applied to the Continental Congress he was holding a letter of high recommendation from one of the most famous (and politically powerful) Americans at that time, Ben Franklin. Being rich didn’t hurt either.
Check out Squarespace: squarespace.com/BIOGRAPHICS for 10% off on your first purchase.
Please return the women of history playlist for biographics. I used to fall asleep listening to it.
If we're going to add non-Americans to the list of those who helped win the AmericanRevolution, let us not forget Casimir Pulaski and Friedrich von Steuben.
Do 1 on zoro, not a joke, Please.
Do Baron von Steuben next
I've always loved this quote: "LAFAYETTE, WE ARE HERE." These words were spoken during World War I at the tomb of the Marquis de Lafayette during a speech honoring his heroic service in the cause of the American Revolution. On 4 July, 1917 Paris celebrated American Independence Day. A U.S. battalion marched to the Picpus Cemetery, where several speeches were made at Lafayette's tomb. The historic words uttered on that occasion, "Lafayette, nous voilà" (Lafayette, we are here), have been popularly, but erroneously, attributed to General John J. Pershing. He stated that they were spoken by Colonel Charles E. Stanton, and "to him must go the credit for coining so happy and felicitous a phrase."
It's sad that returning soldiers, war weary, said things like "I've paid my debt to Lafayette." It somewhat left a sour note of no fault of his own.
@@annadrift4Why you so sad? It meant that they felt a camaraderie with him. And soldiers feel debt all the time. You feel a debt for your country which is why you fight for it. And it's a good feeling and very honorable to have completed a debt. The word debt does not always have a negative connotation that you're giving it
How big of Pershing to give the quote to whom it belong to. Many generals, I could think of MacArthur for one, would have grabbed that glory for themselves
Bonus fact:
Lafayette’s imprisonment was made significantly better after American diplomats(after failing to outright get his release) noted he never was paid for his service in the American Revolution. Surprisingly, Congress actually agreed on something, and swiftly approved his pension, allowing Lafayette a comfortable confinement.
Fun fact: Lafayette is technically buried under American soil. His son Georges Washington took a trip to the US to gather soil from bunker hill
And there are always American Flags flown over his grave at Picpus Cemetery. It is an impressive place to visit.
Actually Lafayette himself with his son gathered the soil on his tour of all 24 states for the 50th anniversary of the United States independence.
And it is said that the American flag stayed on his grave even during the Nazi occupation of France.
@@HistoryHappens According to those who maintain Mount Vernon, Washington's home Lafayette collected the soil for his burial from Mount Vernon. He toured the US extensively but I doubt he visited all of the states. By the way his son was named George Washington Lafayette.
Seems he did manage to visit every state.. My mistake
Honestly, with how important Lafayette was in history, I’m surprised Simon hasn’t done this video a lot earlier.
Idk why a brit doesn't want to talk about a man who lost him his colonies
Cant release all the good ones all at once. This keeps us coming back
Eric Yung I for one want to come back under the once a Briton always one law. This is experiment is a bloody disaster. Ask the millions starving here today with no job no health care no nothing. No Tudor Windsor or for that matter no bloody Plantagenet even would leave their people this way. 🏴
@@Mrbrbusby apparently you aren't very well informed about the state of things in Britain.
Me too.. crazy right!?
Lafayette: “That’s a pretty good Revolution you going there. I want in!”
This guy lived a life that should be referenced far more in US/Eruo History classes in the United States
America doesn’t want everyone to know how much of a role the aristocracy played in our “revolution”
I was never taught about Lafayette (and a l o t of other things) at my school. Thank god I’m interested in history and learned about him myself. The American education system is jacked the hell up.
I was lucky enough to have had public elementary, middle, and high school teachers who discussed Lafayette and his role in our War for Independence in length, so it wasn't until I was in university that I began to meet people who had never heard of him other than a passing mention of his name! What??? How?? Why?? It made NO sense to me, whatsoever and still doesn't! He was an essential ingredient to our melting pot of independence that we may never have known, without his dedication to personal liberation and freedom.
Hero of Two Worlds by Mike Duncan -2021 (Public Affairs). Debuted in August 2021 at number one on the Washington Post bestseller list; number three on the NYT list. (Full disclosure: yes, he’s our son.)
I was taught extensively about him in elementary and middle school. Not to mention in the area of the South I grew up in had a reverence for him.
I knew how both important and largely unrecognized he was in the American Revolutionary War. I knew how integral he was in the French Revolution. I did not know how much more he was involved with. He should get and deserves so much more recognition. This was one of the best videos you've done so far!
I agree. I am a French teacher and I used to teach French history as content to my upper levels. I only ever made it to the French Revolution by the end of the year. I knew about him of course, but I think I will do more reading on him to learn even more nuance. Wow! What a man, what a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty fine man...
He should have his own movies. This is truly a great man. My French ancestry should be proud
Honestly there quite a lot of cities and streets in the US named after him, just in new york you have 5 different streets called Fayette something
This guy really is an Assassins creed character . Fighting his way through all of histories biggest events.
I was surprised that assassins creed didn’t make him more prominent in their storyline. In AC unity, he was basically forgotten.
A brit telling Americans about a French war hero. Lafayette must be laughing
Ironic
laughing at how france is now just muslim country xD
@@jinz0 xD
He’s telling the world.
A french and american war hero, did you not watch the video?
“Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country”
Marquis de Lafayette
Few exactly realized how historic and unprecedented America's formation as a sovereign country was. Lafayette did. A turning point in the history of humanity.
@@thunderbird1921 Honestly yes and no, let's say its in the Shadow of the French Revolution but it played a major role in that revolution
Enter humanity 2023
Lafayette has always been one of my favorite heroes of the revolution. He's pretty much the only Frenchman that American history reveres. We crack jokes about the French mostly because of the WWII surrender, but no one talks crap about Lafayette
So true
One of the only highlights of John Quincy Adams' presidency was an impassioned funerary oration that he delivered to the US Congress upon La Fayette's death; done in the Ancient Roman tradition.
Lafayette was Americas only ally when we had no friends.
France “everything is ok now “ France a day later “ revolution”
France "everything is ok now" France a day later "we surrender"
This even describes modern France lmao
I don't think that's fair to the French.
It's rather arrogant of us Americans and other nationals who make such pokes.
Really, the French among many other nations establishing a democratic republic from an absolute monarchy was always a difficult thing to pull off and to sustain.
The US was only luck in that it had the British's Civil War and resulting constitutional laws to expand on, a constitutional Monarchy.
And it wasn't all fancy pants and wonder berries for the US either, entering a civil war just 80 years later.
Dutch, a republic during the US Revolutionary War, went back to being a constitutional monarchy that it has remained to this day.
Venice and other Italian States were more monarchical or nobility republics a form of constitutional monarchy.
Forming a republic isn't easy.
It took France almost a century to eventually form a reliable one without it diverting toward an insane conspiracy cranked fueled lunatics like Robespierre or Banana Republic emperor dictator Napoleon.
Russia's turned into a blood bath and still today they're in a weird pseudo republic dictatorship monarchy like thing.
Germany's and Austria's only happened after World War 1, then it turned into... well we know how that went down. And only After WW2 did they form a long lasting non-monarchical republic.
Democracies are still very very very new relative to recorded history. They're much better than all other governmental types to the common person, but difficult to create and to maintain.
The French should be given credit, they had to keep trying over and over to develop a republic that would eventually work without turning into some new form of semi-constitutional/absolute monarchy or dictatorship.
Their spur to incite revolution shouldn't be mocked. But admired.
A democratic republic can only exist and be maintained if the people participate in it.
@@whateveryouwantittobe8303 ur mom
@@leroiarouf1142 you're gonna reply to a year old comment? Is this literally the only thing you have in life is to make dumb comments on jokes?
Though denied a eulogy at his funeral, Simon just made up for it with an outstanding one. I got goosebumps in the final minutes of this video. In earnestness, well done Biographics.
Amen....same here
Quincy Adam delivered a good one as well, to Congress. Definitely worth reading for a good sense of how they viewed the man from a past they'd only read about.
I actually met one of Lafayette's descendants in 2017. He came to see a French Dance Troupe performance about the life of Lafayette at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, USA. It took place on the anniversary of when Lafayette arrived in Norfolk for his farewell tour on October 19, 1824.
Yes. There are a ton of things named after Lafayette in Norfolk, including the Lafayette River and Lafayette Park.
I am a descendant of someone called “Baron de kalb” who worked alongside Lafayette I’m pretty sure
My family is descended from both him and Sam Houston, we carry both names. People have a hard time believing you share ancestry with two historical figures but the history of the United States is very short compared to most countries.
Crazy to think that he was only 19 when he met George Washington!
Most Men, that go off to War; are tragically, Only "boys" of "19".
@Kroi Albanoi yes, "boys".
And that Washington more twice his age was immediately fond of this young general!
@@RoaroftheTiger most of them aren't high ranking though.
@@paulheap1982 That wasn't my point. All this "glory" nonsense aside; many of these "19 years old boys" (average age) are left emotionally scared for Life - 'PTS' . This is Not a imaginary malady. Please watch "Wartorn" a HBO documentary directed by James Gandolfini ( yes, from the "Sopranos") . It's worth your time . thank you.
"I'm takin' this horse by the reins makin'
Redcoats redder with bloodstains
Lafayette!
And I'm never gonna stop until I make 'em
Drop and burn 'em up and scatter their remains, I'm
Lafayette!
Watch me engagin' em! Escapin' em!
Enragin' em! I'm-
Lafayette!
I go to France for more funds
Lafayette!
I come back with more guns
And ships
And so the balance shifts."
We rendezvous at Rochambeau and consolidate their gifts. We can end this war at York town, cut them off sea but for this to succeed there's someone else your gonna need. I know. HAMILTON. sure he knows what to do with the trench ingenuity and he's fluent in French I mean. HAMILTON. You gotta use him eventually. HAMILTON. No one has more resilience or matches my practical tactical brilliance
Thee hero!
@@landtsmith584 you wanna fight for your land back?
My favorite song.
@@SuperFlower323 *I need my right hand man back
"EVERYONE GIVE IT UP FOR AMERICA'S FAVORITE FIGHTIN' FRENCHMAN!"
LAFAYETTE!
IM TAKIN’ THIS HORSE BY THE REINS MAKE REDCOATS REDDER WITH BLOOD STAINS
LAFAYETTE!
AND ITS NEVER GONNA STOP UNTIL ILL MAKE EM DROP, BURN EM UP AND SCATTER THEIR REMAINS UP!
Which one’s copied
A interesting sidenote...the present King of Belguim is his descendant.
That's pretty cool
That is indeed an interesting sidenote.
Very interesting
I looked into it. Hard. Couldn’t find any reference to this fact. Please help me.
@@yooperman7537 it’s through the king’s mother, making King Philippe the great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandson of the Marquis De Lafayette
He really had talk to and interact with three famous generals in history: Simon Bolivar, Napoleon Bonaparte, and George Washington.
Also another interesting fact, during the American Revolution he handed out swords to many American soldiers who had fought bravery while serving under him. One of them is
a soldier name Daniel Shays, who would also later start a fail rebellion in the state of Massachusetts.
Shays was not attempting to overthrow the U.S. Government. It is cool knowing he fought under Lafayette. Thanks for that information.
True, because back then the US National government was too weak, and only the state government has the most power.
Simon bolivar ❤
Everyone give it up for America's favourite fightin' Frenchman!
Edit: back 7 months later and I had no idea my OG comment got over 700 likes! Thanks :)
Lafayette!!!!!
I´m taking this horse by the reins making red coats redder with bloodstains!
@@marikanin2599 Lafayette!!!!!
Woo! It is just a pity that everyone mistakes his statue in front of the White House for G. Washington xD
@@mrpink8951 i haven't been to d.c. in almost 20 years, but isn't it called "lafayette square"? i mean, it's in the name
If you are making a Hamilton reference, someone else has already posted it.
A crime that American history classes don’t talk about him more. A truly great man that perfectly embodies what it means to be American, and he IS American, even if he is also French.
"America has joined forces with the Allied Powers, and what we have of blood and treasure are yours. Therefore it is that with loving pride we drape the colors in tribute of respect to this citizen of your great republic. And here and now, in the presence of the illustrious dead, we pledge our hearts and our honor in carrying this war to a successful issue. Lafayette, we are here."
-Colonel Charles E. Stanton, US Army, July 4, 1917
THAT is the America I know and love. The one that honors her debts and fights for freedom.
God damn... This was truly the story of a true hero and revolutionary.
1:30 - Chapter 1 - Born to fight
4:50 - Chapter 2 - The hero of two worlds
6:55 - Chapter 3 - Revolution (Part 1 : Paris Burning)
10:30 - Mid roll ads
11:45 - Chapter 4 - Revolution (Part 2 : Terror reigns)
15:15 - Chapter 5 - The age of empire
19:35 - Chapter 6 - The last revolution
A musical about Lafayette would be amazing. Starting with him in the American revolution and ends when the American troops arrived in France centuries later.
I imagine a conversation with this man would be fascinating
lol, he was actually a really awkward guy, hed probably be really nervous
Thanks very much. We Americans know about his contributions to the American Revolution. It was great to hear about his entire life’s story.
Fun fact: Fayetteville, North Carolina was named one honor of Lafayette. The first place in the United States named for him. As a former resident of Fayetteville, NC, I can say that Lafayette is still held on high regard there.
Lafayette is not a hero!
Thank you everyone! Love you all. And yes, I had red hair, don't hold it against me.
Lafayette!-How is your wife Adrienne?:D
Vive la Republique
At the 21 minute mark, there is an error in the date Lafayette ended his Farewell Tour of the US. It was 1825, not 1835. This is a nice summary of his life, but omits mention of his efforts to end slavery. He tried to convince our Founding Fathers that everyone should be free, and later had a plantation in French Guyana where he and his wife were paying formerly enslaved people to work it. This was taken from them during the French Revolution, and unfortunately the workers did not become freed. Also interesting to note that Adrienne and his daughters joined him in prison in Austria; there is a print in the video that shows them all together in the prison.
In 10 minutes time, this will be full of Hamilton references.
Edit: thanks for the likes
And I'm ok with that 🤣
they will be non-stop
LA-FAY-ETTE!!
@dick dickerson careful how you proceed good man.
Lafayette's a smart man, he'll be fine 🙂
Thanks for the details on Lafayette - the man who launched revolutions, city streets, and public high schools!
@donald Kelley, there are 33 states who have cities or counties names for Lafayette.
Could we get a biographics about Jules Verne? I’d love to hear what in his life could have influenced and inspired the father of modern science fiction. I love your episodes about artists and writers and hearing their life experience/their time period bleeding into they’re work.
Joshua Escopete yeeeeees !
As a huge fan of Jules Verne, I too would love a biography of J. Verne.
I think extra credits in their series Extra Sci-fi covered him but I don't remember how extensively. Look through their playlists and find Sci-fi
@@skizzik121 I believe they covered his body of work and contribution to sci fi, but I’d like to know more about what drove him into writing and highs and lows of his personal life.🤓
if we're doing jules verne can we also get H. G. Wells??
I want to say I think this is one of the best of Biographics. Also, in light of the political climate of disillusion and frustration in the US, I think this is a particularly relevant person to highlight. I know plenty of people who are so done with electoral politics and have given up on the idea that any improvement or reform can come from the madness. But I think that highlight Lafayette's life, his tireless actions, and his devotion to his personal ideology can make a difference. Obviously he was a man with flaws and no individual in history (or alive today) should be blindly venerated and lauded as a savior, but it is still good to know that there were people like Lafayette who aren't afraid to act and there are definitely still those kinds of people today.
Every time someone mentions the Marquis, I just picture Daveed Diggs in a ponytail now
I live in Fayette county PA. I served at fort Bragg and spent a considerable amount of time in Fayetteville NC. I lived 2 streets down from a historic landmark that heralds that the Marquise de la fayette stayed there. the man left his mark
Hey, me too. Our band played at the courthouse when the Lafayette statue was dedicated there.
Nice!
I'm so excited to listed to this one while I work. Lafayette is one of my favorite Lafayette figures.
The fact that the American revolution barely reached a quarter of the whole video show how exciting the life of Lafayette was
This was great. As Eddie Izzard said, we owe a debt of gratitude to Lafayette.
My cat is named after Lafayette, I’ve watched a few other videos on him but they weren’t narrated by Simon, so I’m going to like this one.
When KY was first formed as a state there was a party, with lots of drinking, at the Capitol to celebrate Marquis de Lafayette coming to visit. John Brown's, KY first Senator, wife Margaretta Brown did not approve of drinking, due to religion, and stayed home in protest with some of her friends. A few of the friends decided an opportunity to meet Marquis de Lafayette was to important to pass up and left to go to the party in hopes of seeing him. Five mins after they left Marquis de Lafayette showed up at the door to meet John Brown because he had so much respect for him. He had snuck out of his own party in order to pay the family a visit. Margaretta smugly wrote about this event in her diary, because she thought it was funny her friend's missed meeting him because they buckled on their values. Apparently, he stayed for hours to talk to the group over tea. He didn't go back to his party.
Holy smokes! Turns down Gov of Louisianna, and the Legion of Honor in the same year?!
That is a man of principle!
I love that he treated his black friends right ! It shocked the south when he returned to U.S.A.!
"....perform an act of intercourse on his own buttocks." That got me laughing 🤣🤣
Can you do another American Revolution hero and father of the United States Navy, John Paul Jones? His career is the epitome of the term "fact is stranger than fiction." When he was outmanned and outgunned by the Royal Navy, his first impulse was to attack the British home waters!
A Turtle approved this hero of two worlds.
And so does iMouse.
No one cares if a turtle approves this your just a sub bot
hamilton kids are going wild rn
Why everyone keep saying this
“Immigrants, we get the job done.”
Favorite line! ❤
Stop
The thing about that line in Hamilton is that neither Hamilton nor Lafayette were immigrants. Always bothered me.
@@Framsky I mean technically hamilton was a immigrant before the revolutionary war
@@Framsky even if they were, I honestly am tired of the "diversiveness" in Hamilton. That line was obviously put there for that reason, and it is funny bc if you were to ask Hamilton himself what he thought of that, he'd angerly refuse it. Usually people from the past were not kin to modern ideals, which is sad.
Family reference: My Great-Great-Grandmother was so enamored by Lafayette's history, that she named her one and only son: "General (his first name) Lafayette (middle name) Buchanan". Everyone just called him, Fayette.
We are here Lafayette. We always will be.
America remembers our beloved son!
Yay America's favorite fighting Frenchman!!! ❤❤❤
"America has joined forces with the Allied Powers, and what we have of blood and treasure are yours. Therefore it is that with loving pride we drape the colors in tribute of respect to this citizen of your great republic. And here and now, in the presence of the illustrious dead, we pledge our hearts and our honor in carrying this war to a successful issue. Lafayette, we are here."
- U.S. Army Colonel Charles E. Stanton.
May God bless the hero of two worlds such a legendary story of courage, skill of battle and the will to care and fight with his fellow men in battle to impact history such hero shall be praised forever thank you Marques de Lafayette long live your name in the history books.
I first learned about the Marquis' American tour in the 1800s when I stumbled across a faded stone embedded in the wooden retaining wall of a parking lot in my hometown and crudely engraved with a commemorative inscription from 1825.
Growing up in New Hampshire, there are lakes/mountains/streets named Lafayette. You can see Mt. Lafayette on your way up to the top of Mount Washington
Lafayette was and will always be a legendary patriot.
A French patriot or an American patriot ?
@@jeb1413 both
@@revolutionarygentleman8105 ok
It’s amazing how significant his role was in the American Revolution and how little mentioned it at all in school
@Kroi Albanoi
How is it propaganada?
@@epicjorjorsnake2525 Well if you study history and American history in particular it's pretty clear what they teach in school is basically propaganda. It's taught to always make America look good etc etc.
Speak for yourself I was taught about him and how important his and French intervention was to the revolution. Just because of your personal experience doesn’t mean every school is like that in America. Also you probably just didn’t listen.
@Kroi Albanoi yeah no... the Americans did most of the fighting the French gave supplies and knowledge of war to the Americans. It took years till the French actually sent troops. Which mostly consisted of its navy. Which was instrumental in winning the revolution especially Yorktown. But to say France was doing the work for them is so utterly ignorant it’s laughable. So you fight the extreme notion of America did everything with another extreme America did nothing when the truth is in between... are you not doing the exact thing you are commenting against? Twisting the truth to fit your narrative? I guess nuance is dead and you have to pick between radicals
Depends on how long ago you went to school (about how little mentioned). I don't think Civics is taught anymore either.
Napoleon: Crowns himself first consul
Lafayette: "Oh my god he is actually an idiot."
Now that you’ve done on the well known LaFayette, you HAVE to do one on the soldier who sits in his park across from the White House: Tadeusz Kościuszko. That guy was pretty amazing, too.
An excellent Biograhics with engaging narration and content-rich scripting. Well done! 🗽
I grew up in LaFayette, Georgia in the USA... so I've always been pretty interested in the Marquis.
"Squarespace, so easy a French King could use it..."
LMAO
No mention of James Armistead Lafayette? That’s one of my favorite parts of this story. Sadly Wiki and most other sources barely skim over this subject, but it’s amazing and inspirational.
What a fascinating man. Thank you for the interesting life.
If you look up “French Revolution film 1989” on TH-cam you’ll find a 2 part movie where Sam Neil plays Lafayette. He’s great in the role and it’s a really good movie overall!
*"It must be nice It must be nice To have the Hamilton Fans see this"*
😏😏😏
^_^
I came as soon as I heard
@@jeblyn_5891 all the way from London damn
Sometimes I wish we had watched Biographics videos instead of having history classes. This was very interesting!
Lafayette, Thomas Paine, etc never get the credit they deserve for revolutionising the world for the better.
I had a greek chorus continuously shouting 'Lafeyette!'
Watched hundreds of your videos but this one was legit inspiring
How this man doesn t have a bio tv series about his life I'll never know
He died at the age of 76 and the country he helped create was born in ‘76 ❤️
This man is a hero for American Independence 🇺🇲 We have many cities named after him Lafayette or Fayetteville
Truly impressive that one man could accomplish so much and influence so many. Tre bien, merci boucoup Marquis
"When the government violates the people's rights, insurrection is, for the people and for each portion of the people, the most sacred of the rights and the most indispensable of duties."
The Marquis was too good of a man to have people quoting lines from that abortion of a play and not his actual statements.
With all due respect, Thomas Jefferson helped him with that. Furthermore, popular media igniting the curiosity of a new generation is a win in my eyes. I know it has revived my love for history, focusing on the American and French Revolutions. It’s thanks to the “abortion of a play”
@@grc3rb With all due respect, those of us who enjoy history for what it is on its own merits will continue to enjoy it through its own realistic lens and not that of a cultural abomination for tweets and clapbacks.
If it takes a wild reinterpretation of historical figures and what really happened for Broadway acclaim, it isn't history you're paying attention to and liking, it's pop culture. Carry on as you see fit, doesn't stop it from being what it is: an abortion of a play lmfao.
@@dtice69 does this opinion extend to historical all historical plays? Richard the 3rd? Julius Caesar? Pop culture becomes part of history. Bethoven’s 3rd symphony was composed and and almost dedicated to Napoleon. Your view is very selective. I’m really getting into European history because a spark was ignited. I’m sure your better taste and your air of superiority is surely well justified. I suppose that to the rabble such as myself, reading history from a monotone uninterested, and uninspired teacher in the 7th grade didn’t provide that. Most people can’t name most historical figures. Now I count myself a bit more knowledgeable if not smarter.
Jose Garcia WHY are you such a dick? Let other people have differing views. The above commenter is correct in the analysis of you loving pop culture. Christ almighty, the US is done for.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I’ve been waiting months for this bio on Lafayette!
We’re inching ever closer to Mr Hamilton
To Simon, the quote "All that evil needs to succeed is that good men do
nothing" was said by Edmund Burke(who was Irish by the way).
"Head off the brewing crisis" Well he certainly did...
Lafayette is a true honorary American. May god rest his soul and may he be blessed for his great service to our great Union.
American communities named "Fayette"and "Fayetteville" are named for the Marquis as well.
There's also a city in Louisiana named Lafayette.
There's towns named Lafayette all over the US. It's one of our most common town names, if I recall.
America remembers our shared son and champion of true liberty. May his memory never be forgotten.
Any Revolutions podcast peeps in comments? Love our boy Lafayette
I think it’s sad how few Americans these days know who Lafayette was. They talk about living their country, but are ignorant to the fact that without him, there may not have been a United States
have you done a Biography for Tadeusz Kosciuszko? if not, you should -- he was something like the Polish version of Lafayette.
Is it any wonder that Lt. Colonel Charles E. Stanton, while visiting LaFayette's tomb in Paris with General Pershing on July 4, 1917, made the classic statement, "LaFayette, we are here!"? C'était un grand homme. Stay safe, everyone.
I know it is a small section of history but i would love to see videos on Ireland, say Henry Grattan/Flood, the United Irishmen and Theobald Wolfe Tone or the 1798 rebellion. Just suggestions if you are looking for possible ideas.
I consider myself a history buff, but I must tell you, I think I've learned more and in such a joy of a way watching these videos than I did in school reading text books that were outdated by 10 years because most of the school budget went to the football team. It's okay I'm only a Teensy bit bitter. Mister Whistler, I would love to share a warm glass of whiskey with you and discuss history one day. You really know your stuff
Gilbert du Motier, Son of Liberty R.I.P.
Simon, your videos are such a great part of my day. Every other coplue of days, I am searching for a new Biographics episode! Your videos have become a staple in my life, including your other channels as well! I have been reading "The 48 Laws of Power" and I see alot of Mr. Talleyrand, he was a hell of a diplomat, and I am sure he has a very interesting story. I, along with many others I suppose, would love to see a video on Talleyrand!! Thank you again for all of your content, you are making the lives of many of us during this quarantine quite content! (pun intended)
Could you guys do an episode on Thomas Sankara and similar African figures please?
Thank you for your educational videos. I kinda think I know all I need to about a person/subject and then I watch one of your videos and learn how little I actually do know.
Amazing soundtrack, brought to you by some of history’s greatest composers
All too often in politics and history you see leaders who claim to stand for high ideals and then abandon them once they gain power or they're no longer convenient. The Marquis de Lafayette is one of the few who never did, he stood by those high ideals no matter the cost, he's certainly worthy of his nickname, the Hero of the Two Worlds
It would be nice if you could do the other three foreign generals who aided the USA in the war of independence and are immortalized in DC's Lafayette Square, the Comte de Rochambeau, Tadeusz Kosciuszko and Friedrich von Steuben
One of his namesake cities - in Louisiana - is quite the place! Probably one of the 'French'-est of cities in the United States.
That's because Louisiana was french
Louisiana, like Louis, the king
Got sold to you muricans by Napoleon
@@sylvainprigent6234 Something about saying 'you muricans' to a channel called Canada EhXplained just feels unnatural..
@@canadaehxplained77 sorry I did not pay attention
Just meant as a joke anyway, no bad intent
@@sylvainprigent6234 Of course!! Hahaha It made me laugh - so I thought I'd bring you in on the funny 😂😉🇨🇦
@@sylvainprigent6234 I’m a Canadian so everything here is really Fenchy...... but One of my favourite places in alberta Canada is known as slyvain lake
America's favorite fighting Frenchman. Dude snuck over to the US at 19 when the French wouldn't let him come over. Earned his stripes with distinction. And now we have his name slapped all over the place. Mad lad of the highest caliber.
Guy was lucky to have survived the French Revolution (albiet in prison) because they were so guillotine-happy with the beheadings. 😑
I want Simon's voice on my GPS
I only learned of this yesterday while watching Ken Burn’s Ben Franklin biography 🎥 on PBS. The reason Lafayette received such a high commission was when he applied to the Continental Congress he was holding a letter of high recommendation from one of the most famous (and politically powerful) Americans at that time, Ben Franklin. Being rich didn’t hurt either.