Lafayette vs. Napoleon: True Revolutionary

There is no question in the fact that Napoleon Bonaparte was a significant character in France. However, there have been debates among historians for years around the central question: “Was Napoleon Bonaparte a hero or a villain?” The answer here relies on how one looks upon the situation. Was Napoleon Bonaparte a savior to the French, or was he a tyrant to the French? Although many historians’ answers do rely deeply onto perspective, their answers also lie within which stage of life Napoleon Bonaparte was in, as well as the shift in opinions that come as time changes. Paul Stock and Phillip Dwyer analyze Napoleon Bonaparte’s influence and through the analysis, debate on whether Napoleon Bonaparte should be considered a hero or a villain,

In this letter, he disapproved of the reduction of his royal powers and personal wealth, which affected his lifestyle and authority. He denounced the Revolution, National Assembly, and its constitution. Copies of the letter circulated in public and revealed to people that “Louis had lied to the French” when he swore an oath “before God and the nation to uphold the constitution” (102). Not only did he leave behind his people but his flight would have led to a civil war between revolutionaries and loyalists aided by foreigners. On top of that, deputies of the National Assembly dealt with the aftermath of a missing king: paranoid Parisians suspecting a conspiracy, people storming the palace, and palace servants being accused of treason. This added to the “profound sense of desertion and betrayal” by a king that people saw as a “good father” (222). Out of disgust, they denounced Louis: calling him all sorts of names, took down portraits of him, and covered “in black the word royal” on signs, buildings, and other public places (110). The “myth of the kingship had been shattered” because nobody knew what to do with Louis at this time (104, 108). Some wanted exile or imprisonment whereas others suggested reinstating him as only a figurehead, and some thought about a “republic without a king” (108). Either way, they no longer

The marquis pursued his ambitions and left his home in secrecy even after his father-in-law, the Duc de Noailles, forbid him to leave France. Lafayette’s strong will and excitement to be in charge of an army was too much to hold back. He left his young, pregnant wife with nothing but a letter saying good-bye. Unfortunately, it would be years before he would make his way back to his homeland again.

Toussaint L’ouverture must be remembered by how he was a good liberator for the slaves. Like, during 1791, a slave revolt began in the north of Saint Domingue, Toussaint joined the revolution and served as a doctor and commanded a small part of the slave soldiers. (Doc. A) His courage to join the revolt and help the slaves that got injured shows that he is dedicated to the slaves and shows that he is a superior liberator. When the French Directory was the government they replaced the government that had abolished slavery. (Doc. B) Toussaint wrote a letter to the French Directory to help the slaves and make them free for the second time. He tried to help the slaves as much as he could. When Toussaint got the French Directory to free the

Lafayette went on with his plan alone, buying land in the French colony of Cayenne

Marquis de Lafayette was one of the biggest figures in American Revolution history. Lafayette was a volunteer soldier in the American Revolution, he came with the sole purpose of avenging his father’s death against the English in the French and Indian wars. He soon grew to believe in the patriot’s beliefs of freedom and equality. Lafayette said, “ Defender of Liberty I idolize, myself more free than anyone, as coming as a friend to offer my services to this intriguing republic... “(Vowell 16). He also showed “great zeal for the cause of liberty”(Vowell 1) which later helped him move up through the ranks to the position of major general. The young Frenchman’s first battle was the Battle of Brandywine, where he fought alongside the prestigious George Washington. In this battle he was shot in the leg and had to leave; but he cut short his recovery time so he could continue fighting. Lafayette’s fervor for the war won him the highly desired trust of General George Washington, which then led him to be one of the most esteemed generals of all time. His dedication inspired many other French soldiers to join the American cause. He was both a vocal defender and a great example by his leadership and courage in the Revolutionary War. His most important battle was the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. With his royal relations in France, he was able to transfer extra French military officers and ships to aid the Americans in this momentous battle. Lafayette’s skilled military sense was one

Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette, or better known as Marquis de Lafayette, was born in Chavaniac France on 6 September 1757. He comes from a famous, well off landowning family in the southern part of France. From him being orphaned at a young age to Lafayette helping the American Revolution and vice versa the French revolution, Lafayette became one of the most important people in Western Europe in the 18th-19th century.

The first big thing that Louverture should be remembered for is his role as a liberator of slaves across the island of Hispaniola. In 1791, Toussaint joined the occurring slave revolt, commanding troops in different styles than normal, which ended up working better then the techniques in place

The men that drove these revolts were very determined to change their world. When Marquis de Lafayette, a French noble, went to America and fought as a volunteer in the American Revolution, he was inspired by their quest for liberty. He brought this inspiration home with him, and began the French pursuit for freedom. In 1788 "absolute monarchy was collapsing... What would replace it?" (Mckay, 706). The three estates would quarrel for the next few years about how to proceed. In the end the National Assembly would form, vowing not to disband until a new constitution was born. On August 27, 1789 the National Assembly (NA) issued the: Declaration of the rights of man. By 1790 the NA would hold the power of lawmaking. Although it did not last long, the idea was there and it did bring about some type of reform. Unfortunately, Napoleon would reign and dictatorship would once again reign in France.

Marquis de Lafayette was a leading figure in the American and French Revolution. Lafayette was a French nobleman and a military commander. He helped the Americans defeat the British at Yorktown. He

After 1 month at sea he arrived in Paris. For disobeying orders his was placed on house arrest for 8 days. Lafayette gave birth to his son and named him George Washington Lafayette. His last battle was The battle of Yorktown. After the American Revolution he traveled back and forth to America. He died on May 20th, 1834 at age 76. Back in America he was given the same memorial ceremony as George Washington when he died. In conclusion Lafayette was a great man, “A Hero from both Worlds”, and an American Veteran. We Should treat him with a ton of honor and

The two presented the document to the Assembly on July 11, 1789, and after many revision, the document was taken into French law on August 27, 1789. Lafayette was also elected commander of the National Guard of Paris that same year. During his short serving as commander of the National Guard of Paris, Lafayette saved Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette in Versailles from an angry crowd of people. Lafayette had to hide the two royalties and their families in Paris. A few years later, an angry crowd of petitioners showed up on Champ de Mars in Paris demanding that the King’s throne should be taken away. This quickly got out of hand and Lafayette’s guards opened fire on the crowd, injuring or killing 50 of the protesters. This severely damaged his reputation and popularity. In October that same year, Lafayette resigned from the guard. In 1792, France and Austria went to war. Austria took Marquis de Lafayette hostage for 5 years, until 1797. After he was let go, Lafayette became a gentleman farmer until his death on May 20, 1834, in Paris, France (Leepson).

Marquis de Lafayette was a French aristocrat that joined the Revolutionary War willingly. He became one of of America’s most successful leaders in combat and General George Washington's most loyal partner. Marquis became friends with General George Washington very quickly. The first battle he fought in was the Battle at Brandywine. Where he performed with great courage. However, during this battle Marquis was wounded and the army was forced to retreat. Washington sent a letter to the Congress recommending him for a promotion. Marquis began to build a reputation. He was responsible in any and every war he fought in. He kept this reputation

After reading this book I understand a lot more about the French Revolution. Most of the problems that occurred dealt with the idea of change. Some people like things the way they are, some are afraid of change, and others would like to see something new. Louis XVI wanted things the way they were and be treated as a king is supposed to be treated, and

Notables called by Louis XVI and Calonne in 1787, and was elected to represent the nobility in the Estates General in 1789. He was ordered to join the National Assembly by the King where he quickly became a leader, making the proposal to draft a declaration of rights. After the fall of the Bastille on July 14, he was appointed commander of the Paris militia, which he transformed into the Paris National Guard. As commander, Lafayette was responsible for maintaining order and assuring that successful negotiations with the National Assembly and the King could be conducted. He was also responsible for the safety of the royal family as they were taken to Paris. Unfortunately, Lafayette was loyal to both the monarchy and the Revolution and tried