Fete Lafayette: A French Hero’s Tour of the American Republic
The life and work of Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, was a testimony to the realization of Enlightenment principles in light of the legacy and achievements of the American Revolution: national independence, the establishment of a republic dedicated to the interests of ordinary people, a national identity based upon a collective narrative, and a free society founded upon the basis of law and the ideals of liberty, equality, natural and civil rights, and responsible citizenship. To celebrate his role in the revolutionary generation and the anniversary of his thirteen-month farewell tour of the United States in 1824-1825, we are pleased to share a collection of lesson plans which feature the marquis de Lafayette.
Learn more about Lafayette in our exhibition Fete Lafayette: A French Hero’s Tour of the American Republic.
DIPLOMACY AND DEVOTION: THE FRANCO-AMERICAN ALLIANCE IN THE AGE OF REVOLUTIONS
This lesson examines why the relationship between France and the United States as political and military allies—beginning with the American Revolution and continuing to the present day—was not only the result of a shared influence of Enlightenment philosophy, but also due to the personal bond forged between George Washington and Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de Lafayette.
diplomacy and devotion
FRANCE AND THE WAR FOR AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE
This lesson is designed to teach freshmen French immersion students about French involvement in the Revolutionary War and how to analyze primary sources. It was created assuming a basic understanding of the American Revolution as taught in most American middle/junior high schools. It begins with a discussion of Lafayette as a bridge between new content and what students demonstrate they already know (thank you Lin-Manuel Miranda!). Once the connection is made, the lesson intentionally does not address Lafayette, but sources and events with Lafayette could easily be included, if desired.
France and the War for American Independence
LAFAYETTE AND CELEBRITY CULTURE
This suite of lessons is designed to provide continued practice analyzing primary sources to engage in critical thinking about how and why Americans celebrate the contributions of individuals from both the past and today’s culture. Prior to beginning to this lesson, students should be able to identity the marquis de Lafayette and his contributions to American independence.
Lafayette and Celebrity Culture
LAFAYETTE: ARDENT REPUBLICAN AND CONSCIENCE OF THE AMERICAN NATION
In 1824-1825 the marquis de Lafayette, the last surviving French general of the American Revolution, was invited by President James Monroe to tour the United States. With this lesson, students will learn about Lafayette’s triumphant American return and his influence on America into the twentieth century.
Lafayette: Ardent Republican
LAFAYETTE’S TUMULTUOUS ROAD TO YORKTOWN
To better understand Lafayette and his troops’ plight, as well as his continued commitment to the American cause, students will read and evaluate Lafayette’s letter to Gen. Nathanael Greene from late August 1781, just two months before the American victory on the Yorktown peninsula.
Lafayette's Tumultuous Road to Yorktown