Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette, known in the United States as Lafayette, was a French military officer and politician who volunteered to join the Continental Army, led by General George Washington, in the American Revolutionary War. Lafayette commanded Continental Army troops in the decisive siege of Yorktown in 1781, the Revolutionary War's final major battle, which secured American independence. After returning to France, Lafayette became a key figure in the French Revolution of 1789 and the July Revolution of 1830 and continues to be celebrated as a hero in both France and the United States.
Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, French general (born 1757)
On May 20, in the year 1834, Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, French general (born 1757). This event is recorded as a Notable Deaths event in the history of May 20, one of 424 recorded events on this date across all of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including Marquis de Lafayette. Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on May 20, 1834 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Deaths event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 9 May 2026.
On This Date in History 424
This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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