The Marquis de Lafayette, born in 1757, was a French aristocrat and military officer who played a significant role in both the American Revolutionary War and the French Revolution. He became a general in the Continental Army, supporting the American colonies in their fight for independence from Great Britain. His leadership and commitment to liberty earned him admiration in both France and America. Lafayette returned to France after the American victory and became involved in the early stages of the French Revolution. He advocated for constitutional monarchy and civil liberties, seeking to balance the demands of the revolutionaries with the need for stability. His efforts ultimately led to his exile, but he remained a symbol of freedom and democracy throughout his life.