Revolution or Reform

It's one thing to spark a movement; it's another to see meaningful action because of it.

The Course of Empire IV: Destruction by Thomas Cole, 1836 (public domain - Wikipedia)

“To escape its wretched lot, the populace has three ways, two imaginary and one real. The first two are the rum shop and the church; the third is the social revolution.” — Mikhail Bakunin, 1871

His father was killed by British cannon fire when the boy was only two years old. The youngster grew up as an aristocrat, attempting to fit in as a courtier before finding that his independent nature was ill-suited to such a role.

So, two years after hearing about the American struggle for independence, he set sail for the young country. An idealist with a pure heart and an enthusiastic spirit, he endeared him to many in his new country.

One of those was General George Washington, who grew so fond of the young man that he considered him almost a surrogate son. He confided in his protégé and gave him assignments to help turn the tide against the British.

The young man’s name? Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du…