Liberty's Kids, The Complete Series Season 1 Episode 22 Lafayette Arrives
- TV-Y7
- October 1, 2002
- 23 min
Liberty's Kids, The Complete Series is an American animated historical television series that relates major events of the American Revolution from the perspective of two fictional young reporters on the staff of Revolutionary War figure Benjamin Franklin's newspaper. The show covers a period of approximately 12 years, starting with the Boston Tea Party in 1773 and ending with the ratification of the United States Constitution in 1787.
Season 1 episode 22 of Liberty's Kids, titled "Lafayette Arrives," follows the arrival of the Marquis de Lafayette, a Frenchman who offered his services to the Continental Army during the American Revolution, to America. The episode begins with Sarah, one of the young reporters, receiving a letter from Lafayette inviting her to his villa in France to interview him about his experiences in America. As she prepares to leave, her colleague James expresses his envy, saying that he wishes he could go with her.
Sarah arrives in France and meets Lafayette, who tells her about how he was inspired to join the American cause after hearing about the Battle of Bunker Hill. He also talks about how he convinced the French king to send troops and supplies to aid the American Revolution.
Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, James and his fellow reporter Henri are anxious to hear news of Lafayette's arrival. They are worried that the British will capture him and use him as a bargaining chip. As they wait, they talk to a group of soldiers who have recently returned from fighting in New York. The soldiers tell them about the difficulties they faced, including harsh weather and lack of supplies, and about the bravery of the American troops.
Back in France, Sarah and Lafayette attend a ball where Lafayette is introduced to the French aristocracy. He is disappointed to see how little they know and care about the American cause, and he becomes determined to convince them to support it. Sarah is impressed by his passion and dedication, and she realizes that she has a responsibility as a reporter to help spread the message of the American Revolution.
The episode ends with Lafayette leaving for America, with Sarah and James bidding him farewell. They reflect on the importance of Lafayette's contributions to the American cause, and on the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who are fighting for their country's freedom.
Overall, "Lafayette Arrives" is a compelling and informative episode of Liberty's Kids that highlights the role of foreign allies in the American Revolution and the challenges faced by soldiers on both sides of the conflict. The show's mix of fictional characters and historical events makes it a great resource for teaching young people about American history in an engaging and accessible way.