Motiers Marie Joseph Paul Yves Rock Gilbert du (Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier)

Marie Joseph Paul Yves Rock Gilbert du Motiers Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834) - French politician, who took an active part in the struggle for the independence of Americans (1775 - 1783). At the head of a volunteer squad, he went to America and took part in the hostilities against the British. Returning to France in 1779, he vigorously promoted the intervention of France in the war and participated in developing a plan of military action. This gave him enormous popularity, in the United States, where many cities and towns named after him. In France, Lafayette was in 1789. elected from the nobility in the States-General and one of the first ones on the side of the third estate. He commanded the National Guard. His draft rights declaration was placed by the Constituent Assembly in the framework of the Declaration of the Rights of Man ". The leader of the constitutionalists. In August 1792, as commander of the Northern army, protested against the overthrow of King. Removed from all his posts, was forced to flee abroad. Returning to France after the 18 Brumaire, he continued his political activities as a representative of the Liberal Party. During the July Revolution of 1830 contributed to the accession to the throne of Louis Philippe.