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Primary sourceDocument9 June 1778

Lafayette's Oath of Allegiance

Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette · 9 June 1778

The oath Lafayette signed in 1778 renouncing allegiance to King George III and pledging loyalty to the United States.

Lafayette personally signed this oath binding him to the American cause as a major general in the Continental Army.

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Source: Wikisource

About this source

What it is

In this document, dated June 1778, the Marquis de Lafayette, then a major general in the Continental Army, formally swears allegiance to the United States and renounces obedience to King George III of Great Britain.

Why it matters

This oath marks a turning point for the young French noble, who had crossed the Atlantic to join the American Revolution. By swearing loyalty to a new nation rather than his own king, Lafayette publicly committed himself to the American cause and to the officer's role he held in Washington's army.

Look closer

  • Why would a foreign volunteer need to swear such an oath to serve in the Continental Army?
  • What does the strong language of 'renounce, refuse and abjure' suggest about how seriously this pledge was taken?
  • What risks might Lafayette have faced back in France for making this promise?

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