USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -With no combat experience and not yet 20 years old, Lafayette was nonetheless appointed a major general in the Continental Army, and he quickly struck up a lasting friendship with the American commander in chief, George Washington.

Detailed explanation-2: -Lafayette and Washington remained close friends after the war. Lafayette named his only son George Washington Lafayette. When the Marquis came back to the United States in 1784, he visited Washington in retirement at Mount Vernon in August, where the two men had an emotional reunion.

Detailed explanation-3: -Jefferson also called Lafayette “mon ami, ” even though he was Hamilton’s friend first. Jefferson and Madison were great friends and had one of the great American politcal partnerships.

Detailed explanation-4: -Lafayette found in Washington a father figure. To Washington, who had no children of his own, the courageous Lafayette met his expectations of the ideal son. Like Washington, Lafayette served without pay, supporting himself and his troops.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Marquis de Lafayette and Napoleon met several times when Napoleon was First Consul. They had an extended conversation at Joseph Bonaparte’s estate on October 2, 1800, during a party to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Mortefontaine between France and the United States.