As America approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the nation stands on the brink of a significant historical milestone on July 4, 2026. The anticipation of this commemoration invites both celebration and critical reflection on the complex narratives surrounding America’s founding.
The American Revolution has long captivated global interest, yet controversy clouds how this pivotal moment is taught across the United States. The introduction of initiatives like The New York Times’ “1619 Project” emphasizes the centrality of slavery in America’s history, igniting debates about how race and racism should be addressed in educational settings. This partisanship often turns anniversaries into grounds for passion, and at times, for healing past wounds.
I approach the subject of the American Revolution from both personal and professional viewpoints, drawing from my background as an American historian and a naturalized citizen who grew up in the United Kingdom. My British-accented English occasionally elicits amusement from students discussing the Revolutionary War, as I jokingly remind them I did not personally know King George. Teaching history, for me, means encouraging critical thinking about the past without prescribing a singular emotional response, whether it be patriotic or otherwise.
Regrettably, the standards of historical knowledge that once seemed stable are now faltering in the U.S. A recent report by the National Assessment of Educational Progress revealed a disheartening statistic: merely 13% of eighth graders were rated as “proficient” in American history in 2023. An earlier survey in 2010 demonstrated similar issues, with 26% of adults unable to identify from whom America declared its independence – with some mistakenly answering China, Mexico, or France.
The mention of a hypothetical scenario in which America might divorce France would have certainly astonished Gilbert du Motier, more widely known as the Marquis de Lafayette. Lafayette’s dedication to the nascent United States was pivotal, not only for its fight for independence but also for the shaping of American identity decades later.
The Marquis de Lafayette, a nobleman who fought in both the American and French revolutions, took up arms at just 19 years old. He organized and funded his expedition to America in 1777 and played a critical role in numerous battles against British forces, including significant engagements at Yorktown. Gaining George Washington’s trust, Lafayette rose to the rank of major general in the Continental Army, his involvement predating France’s official alliance with the U.S. in 1778, which ultimately helped secure victory against Great Britain.
By the conclusion of the war, France had contributed a monumental force to the American cause, supplying approximately 12,000 soldiers, 22,000 sailors, and numerous warships along with substantial financial resources. At the onset of his involvement, Lafayette was among the few foreign volunteers, thus his acclaim from the American public was profound.
As historian Sarah Vowell noted, many contemporary Americans regard Lafayette more as a symbol than as a historical figure. Yet, numerous towns and avenues bear his name, a testament to his enduring legacy. Even during World War I, American soldiers embarked for France under the rallying cry, “Lafayette, we are here,” aiming to repay the grateful gesture of alliance from France.
In comparison, older generations may recall the widespread celebrations surrounding the U.S. bicentennial in 1976, which was marked by extensive fanfare, and even a visit from Queen Elizabeth II. However, it was the semicentennial – the 50th anniversary of independence – that played a pivotal role in shaping the American public’s perception of its identity.
Lafayette’s involvement marked this 1826 occasion, making him a central figure at this first national commemoration. President James Monroe, a fellow veteran of the Revolutionary War, extended his invitation to Lafayette, designating him as
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