For America250, which French aristocrat became a major American ally during the Revolutionary War?

The Marquis de Lafayette became a major American ally during the Revolutionary War, making him an important figure in the international history remembered by America250. His full name was Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette.

Lafayette was a French aristocrat who volunteered for the American cause in 1777, when he was 19 years old. He received a commission as a major general in the Continental Army and developed a close working relationship with George Washington.

He commanded American troops during the Virginia campaign and played a major role in the operations that helped contain British forces before the surrender at Yorktown. His service strengthened the political and military ties between France and the United States.

Lafayette returned to the United States in 1824–1825 for a celebrated tour of the states. He is sometimes confused with Rochambeau, the French general who commanded the French expeditionary force, but they were different figures.