Marquis de Lafayette: The Original Hype Man of the Republic

When Lafayette met Washington

Born into French nobility with a name longer than a Starbucks order (Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, Marquis de La Fayette), our boy Lafayette decided that a cushy life in France wasn't exciting enough.

So, at the ripe old age of 19 while he still knew it all, he thought, "You know what sounds fun? Crossing an ocean to fight in someone else's revolution!"

And fight he did. Lafayette joined the American Revolution, becoming BFFs with George Washington and earning the title of major general before he was old enough to legally drink in modern-day America.

Talk about an overachiever!

But wait, there's more!

After helping the Americans kick some British butt, Lafayette returned to France just in time for their own revolution.

It's like he had a sixth sense for a republic upheaval.

He even co-wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which was basically the French version of "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness," but with more berets and baguettes.

Now, you might think that being a key player in two major revolutions would be enough for one lifetime.

But Lafayette was just getting started. He spent his later years bouncing between France and America like a political ping-pong ball, always fighting for liberty and democracy.

In 1824

Nearly 50 years after the American Revolution, Lafayette returned to the U.S. for a victory lap. Picture a rock star tour, but instead of groupies, he had grateful citizens.

He visited all 24 states, probably collecting shot glasses and "I Heart NY" t-shirts along the way.

So, next time you're struggling to manage your social life across two friend groups, remember Lafayette – the guy who managed to be a hero in two different continents before the invention of air travel or Twitter.

Lafayette's legacy?

He reminds us that fighting for liberty, freedom and human rights isn't confined by borders. In today's globalized world, his life is a testament to the power of international cooperation and standing up for what's right, no matter where you are.

And let's be honest, in an era where celebrities are famous for, well, being famous, isn't it refreshing to remember a guy who earned his fame by helping birth two republics?

Lafayette: proving that you can be on the right side of history and be a total badass at the same time."

Marquis de Lafayette