Lafayette

Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834), emerged as a significant figure during the French Revolution. Coming from aristocratic roots, he initially gained prominence through his involvement in the American Revolutionary War. His return to France was marked by advocacy for reform, inspired by the ideals of liberty and democracy he had witnessed across the Atlantic.

Lafayette was elected as a representative of the Second Estate to the Estates-General in 1789. His progressive stance became evident with his support for the National Assembly, which sought to challenge the absolute monarchy of Louis XVI. Notably, Lafayette presented the draft for the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen on 11 July 1789. This document underscored his commitment to individual rights and freedoms (parallels with the American Declaration of Independence can be drawn).

As commander of the National Guard in Paris from July 1789, Lafayette attempted to maintain order amidst escalating tensions. His role during the 14 July 1789 storming of the Bastille underlined his influence, as he navigated between revolutionary fervor and loyalty to the monarchy. Lafayette’s emblem—red, white, and blue—eventually became the tricolor flag of France, signifying unity.

His moderate stance often placed him at odds with more radical elements within the revolution. This was particularly evident during episodes such as the Women's March on Versailles (5 October 1789), where he played a key role in escorting King Louis XVI and the royal family back to Paris. Instances like these showcased his attempts to mediate conflicts and advocate for constitutional monarchy.

The Flight to Varennes (20 June 1791) further complicated Lafayette’s position. While he was tasked with safeguarding the king, the royal family’s failed attempt to escape illustrated his declining influence. Moreover, the massacre on the Champ de Mars (17 July 1791) severely tarnished his reputation. As commander of the National Guard, Lafayette ordered the dispersal of a large crowd calling for the abdication of the king. This action led to bloodshed and alienated many revolutionaries.

Lafayette's fall from grace continued as the revolution radicalized. With the rise of the Jacobins (who favored a more radical republicanism), he found himself opposing figures like Maximilien Robespierre. By 1792, he fled France, fearing imprisonment or execution. Subsequently captured by Austrian forces, Lafayette spent several years in prison.

Upon his release, Lafayette played a more muted role in French politics. He avoided involvement during Napoleon Bonaparte’s reign and briefly re-emerged during the July Revolution of 1830. Although his impact during these later years was limited, his early contributions to the French Revolution reflect a complex interplay of loyalty, reform, and political maneuvering.

• Marquis de Lafayette played a crucial role in both the American (1775-1783) and French (1789-1799) Revolutions; he became known as the 'Hero of Two Worlds' for his contributions to establishing liberty in both nations.
• Lafayette was a natural ally for revolutionaries, but he initially sought a constitutional monarchy in France, demonstrating his moderate stance compared to radical factions.
• Despite his noble status, Lafayette strongly supported the abolition of feudal privileges; he famously drafted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which was adopted by the National Assembly on 26 August 1789.
• In 1792, Lafayette commanded the National Guard but eventually found himself at odds with the radical revolutionaries, leading to his resignation from the post in the turbulent political climate.
• His attempts to flee France in 1792 were fraught with difficulties; he was captured by Austrian forces and spent several years in prison before his eventual release in 1797.
• Lafayette's vision for democracy was deeply influenced by Enlightenment ideas, especially those of philosophers like Montesquieu and Rousseau, yet he struggled to align these ideals with the chaotic realities of revolutionary politics.