America could not have won its war of independence without the help of the French,

and the French would not have helped America to the extent they did without the efforts of

Marie-Joseph, Paul, Eve, Roche Gilbert Dumotier, Marquis de Lafayette.

His devotion to the American cause was total, his impact on its outcome profound.

From the moment he first heard about the American Revolution, he knew he had to be a part of it.

He had two motivations, one lofty and one low.

He was drawn to the high ideals of the rebellion.

He also loved the idea of sticking it to the British, France's traditional foe.

A well-connected member of the French royal court of Louis XVI, both by birth and marriage,

he was all of 19 when he decided he must abandon his career in the French military to sail

to America and fight with the Americans.

Complicating matters was the fact that his new wife had just given birth to their first child, but even this did not deter him.

Every fiber in his being told him that history was being made in North America.

He would not miss the chance to be part of it.

To the sorrow of his bride,

the fury of his powerful father-in-law, and the deep annoyance of his sovereign, he sailed for America

in April 1777. Armed with a letter of introduction from the American emissary to France,

Silas Dean, he presented himself to the Continental Congress

in Philadelphia. They barely gave him the time of day. The army had no need for a French officer

who spoke virtually no English. Young Lafayette's story could have ended right there, but a chance

dinner invitation brought him into the company of George Washington.

The general was cautious about new acquaintances.

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