Patrick Henry
(1736–1799)

Remembered most for his fiery battle cry, "Give me liberty or give me death," Patrick Henry is considered the most powerful orator of the American Revolution. Using his talents as a speaker, Henry helped to inspire colonists to unite in an effort to win their independence.

Born on his father's plantation in Hanover County, Virginia, Henry attended school only until the age of ten, though his father continued his schooling at home. After unsuccessfully attempting to run a store with his brother, Henry married at the age of eighteen and took up farming. When a fire destroyed his farm several years later, Henry found himself deeply in debt, with several children to support. He then began studying law, and in 1760 he received his reputation as an excellent lawyer.

In 1765, Henry was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses. Shortly after his election, Henry delivered one of his most powerful speeches, declaring his opposition to the Stamp Act. At the end of his speech, Henry mentioned two kings who had been killed for political reasons and declared that King George II of Britain might "profit by their example." According to legend, this shocked the members of the audience so much that they accused Henry of treason. To this accusation Henry replied, "If this be treason, make the most of it!"

In 1775, after he had served as a member of the First Continental Congress, Henry delivered his most famous speech at the Virginia Provincial Convention. It was this speech that secured him a place in American history. While most of the speakers that day argued that the colony should seek a compromise with the British, Henry boldly and dramatically urged armed resistance to England. His speech had a powerful impact on the audience, reinforcing the revolutionary spirit that led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In the years that followed, Henry continued to be an important political leader, serving as the governor of Virginia and as a member of the Virginia General Assembly.

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