Sunday, August 1, 2021

3 Foreign Generals Who Became Honorary U.S. Citizens

From We Are the Mighty:

Arguably the most important foreign national in American history, Lafayette was born into one of the oldest and most distinguished French families. Following family tradition, he commissioned as an officer in the Musketeers. In 1776, the 19-year-old Lafayette was put in contact with American agents by King Louis XVI. The French hoped to regain influence in North America and exact revenge against the British for the Seven Years’ War by covertly supporting America in its revolution. However, Britain learned of these backroom dealings and threatened France with war if support was provided to the colonies. Against the orders of his commanding officer (and father-in-law) and a decree by the king, Lafayette was determined to join America’s fight and bought a ship with his own money for the trip across the Atlantic. Agreeing to serve without pay, he was commissioned by Congress as a major general on July 31, 1777. During the revolution, Lafayette was wounded at the Battle of Brandywine and endured the harsh winter at Valley Forge. His commands at the Battles of Rhode Island and Yorktown were instrumental in America’s victory and independence. Lafayette was awarded honorary citizenship in 2002.

3 foreign generals who became honorary U.S. citizens

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1 comment:

julygirl said...

So many Americans who glorify the French Revolution and are unaware of the horrors it brought upon the French people, should stop and recognize that because of the financial help and blessing of France and Louie XVI we were able to drive the English from our shores and declare our independence.