interesting observation though

But that might have been Mel...

what i've read is contradictory to how he is portrayed in the film

The French Army was well respected on the continent at the time, and Monsieur Lafayette didn't come over alone. He brought some troops with him, as well. The Revolution wasn't won by Minutemen hiding behind trees and fences sniping at the Brits. It was won using the tactics and strategy of the age, and having a contingent of first rate troops added immeasurably to the war effort.

The French and British had a long standing rivalry going back hundreds of years (read your Shakespeare , and once the French entered the war, suddenly, the Brits had a global war on their hands. Notably, around the time of our Revolution, a certain Prussian was dominating warfare in Central Europe, endangering many German principalities, one of which was King George's "homeland." You think the idea of the Hessian "mercenaries" came out of the blue?

We Americans focus on our own Revolution, of course, but it wasn't necessarily the most important conflict going on at the time, and in many ways was a bit of a side show on the world stage.

After a while, it becomes overwhelming.

Barbara Tuchman has written some great books paralleling various lessons of history, comparing current or recent events with more 'ancient' history. Santayana was right. Unfortunately, the PTB seem to develop amnesia about history, assuming they ever learned it.

but we in the lower classes always tend to suffer most for their selective amnesia, arrogance, and ingorance.

1970-77.

Semper Fi!

the Nazis with their mutant cyborg dinosaurs.

The French navy under De Grasse fought a battle with British forces trying to reinforce Cornwallis at Yorktown in Chesapeake Bay, driving them off. Rochambeau had thousands of French soldiers working in tandem with Washington in the siege of Yorktown, including experienced siege engineers.

Cornwallis realized the situation he was in and surrendered.

he in many cases purchased arms, uniform and equipment for the troops. He had influence in focusing opinions to the French court. He entered the American conflict well ahead of Frances commitments. He was wounded in battle here in the end he led forces in the final battle at Yorktown that vanquished the British. He had a closeness to Gen. Washington who's sentiments towards him were well known.

I would say extremely important!

... raised the political profile of the rebellion considerably. It's one of the reasons the Holy Roman Empire and Prussia declared neutrality, which in the context of the revolution was essentially coming down on our side.

Good call

The man was a workhorse.

Lafayette's contribution was small but France saved our asses.