speech to the virginia convention by patrick henry

NO man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. Hereafter is the speech which remains one of America’s most famous:

He recognized that hoping for peace, by submitting to Parliament and the British Crown, was just an illusion by March of 1775. He knew that his words were an actual call-to-arms. It wasn’t just semantics for Patrick Henry. Beyond his personal legacy, “Liberty or Death” helps people to understand the reasons (and passions) which fueled the Colonists’ desire to break-free of British rule. The speech he gave on March 23rd, 1775, is his most-famous. He was able to inspire a room filled with people who did not always agree on everything (or even with him). People listened to what Patrick Henry said because he had such a great way of making his points.

He was fearless when it came to stating his positions (even when he knew those positions, and his words, might offend others). He wanted liberty not just for his country, but for individuals living within that country. His speeches were clear and concise, and he chose his words carefully.Ībove all, he believed in liberty. He knew why the American Colonies needed to revolt against Britain and was able to clearly and skillfully articulate his reasons. He was able to mix verbal firing power with reasoned inquiry and understood the subjects he addressed (including viewpoints opposed to his own). He was masterful at posing rhetorical questions and could craft a speech, on the spot, without notes. Patrick Henry was a speaker who was really good on his feet. The first shots of the American Revolution had not-yet been fired, when Patrick Henry gave this speech, but they were not far off. The meeting had a formal name-the Second Virginia Convention. On the 23rd of March, in 1775, a man called Patrick Henry took the floor of a meeting held at St.

Speech to the virginia convention by patrick henry