by Patrick Henry

Born in 1736 in Hanover County, Virginia, to a family of modest means, Patrick Henry became a self-educated lawyer with a gift for speechmaking. In 1775 he delivered his most famous speech, "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death," in which he encouraged the colonists of Virginia to use military force to defend individual freedom from British laws. His passionate speech ignited in many listeners a militant spirit that helped propel the colonists into the Revolutionary War.

Events in History at the Time of the Speech

Communication in colonial America. Speech served as the main means of communication in colonial America. Printed newspapers and pamphlets existed, but most of the population was unable to read and write. Speeches thus became a popular avenue for people to disseminate and receive information. A standard style of speechmaking...