Lafayette’s 1824 Farewell Tour of America Commemorating 200 Years of the American/French Narrative with Roger Mummert

The Marquis de Lafayette was called the “Hero of Two Worlds” for his critical roles in both the American and French revolutions. In 1824, the 50th anniversary of our nation’s founding was nearing, and President Monroe invited Lafayette to revisit America for a “Farewell Tour.” Monroe’s hope was that his presence would help to “instill the Spirit of 1776” in a new generation. Over 14 months, Lafayette visited all 24 states, where he was hailed as a hero of democracy and a torchbearer of American values.

In this presentation and discussion, we examine how Lafayette was promoted to mythical status by the burgeoning American newspaper industry, against the backdrop of a disputed presidential election that tested American values. We also look at how Lafayette’s outspoken support for the abolition of slavery challenged Americans to continue to work toward “a more perfect union.”

About Roger Mummert

Presenter Roger Mummert is the creator of theparisproject.net, which explores the history of Paris as a city of ideas. His presentations with Alliance Française include “Paris: A City of Ideas” and “Myths and Mysteries of the Bastille.” He recently presented “D-Day and the Soul of France” at the Embassy of France in the United States. These programs can be viewed on You Tube. His writing on culture, literature and travel can be found in the archives of the New York Times and elsewhere.