Episode 1 - "Vive le Lafayette"

Authors

Kelly Britt
McKinnon Colburn
Brock Smith
Danny Garrett

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Fall 2024

Abstract

Main Question(s):

What was the early life of Lafayette like?

What motivated Lafayette to become a revolutionary leader?

Episode Description:

In this episode, Vive Le Lafayette, we explore the early life of the famed revolutionary. How did a wealthy French aristocrat, born into privilege, end up risking everything to fight in the American Revolution?

We dive into Lafayette’s upbringing in the French nobility, his unique rural childhood, and the influences that shaped his ideals. We’ll discuss the impact of his military heritage, his classical education steeped in Enlightenment philosophy, and the pivotal events—including personal tragedy and political upheaval—that led him to defy orders and secretly sail to America.

Join us as we uncover what motivated Lafayette to leave behind a life of luxury for the uncertainty of the revolution.

Recommended Citation

Britt, Kelly; Colburn, McKinnon; Smith, Brock; and Garrett, Danny, "Episode 1 - "Vive le Lafayette"" (2024). Who Cares about The Marquis de Lafayette?. 4.
https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/lafayette-podcast/4