Jul14

the french connection.

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Washington and Lafayette at Mt. Vernon

 

In honor of the anniversary of Bastille Day-

 The Marquis de Lafayette, 19, arrived in the new world to join America’s revolutionary cause in 1777. Right off the bat, he made a powerful friend: George Washington instantly took a liking to the Frenchman and within a month, Lafayette had effectively become the general’s adopted son. Their affection was mutual; when the younger man had a son of his own in 1779, he named him Georges Washington de Lafayette.

The day after the storming of the Bastille, the Marquis de Lafayette became the commander of the Paris National Guard. In the aftermath of the Bastille siege, he was given the key to the building. As a thank-you—and to symbolize the new revolution—Lafayette sent it to Washington’s Mount Vernon home, where the relic still resides today.

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“Rien.”

(nothing)

-Diary entry of Louis XVI on Bastille Day

 

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Bonne fête nationale! 

 

 

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Source credits: Mark Mancini, Mental Floss, Google Images

38 responses »

  3. “WE” is so important to accomplish things that can’t be done alone.

    Today the US is hoping wanting depending on the youth to help get through the difficulties facing us. Somewhere out there are new young leaders ready for the job.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply ↓

  5. I’ve heard that it was anything but an instant liking. Washington thought Lafayette far too young to be a military leader and that Congress needed to tell Lafayette that his military title was honorary. Eventually, Lafayette did become like a son to Washington, it just wasn’t instantly.

    Liked by 1 person

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