Marquis de Lafayette

Born in 1757 into French nobility, Lafayette defied royal orders to join the American Revolution, where he earned George Washington’s trust and helped secure key victories for independence. Returning to France, he became a leading advocate for reform, drafting the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen and navigating the turbulent politics of revolution and monarchy. As a leader, he embodied idealism and courage, striving to balance revolutionary change with a deep belief in human rights and moderation.