American History to 1865
Professor Boguchwal
10/26/15
Give me liberty or give me death
The writer of this primary document is Patrick Henry he was an upset colonist who tried to get his voice heard. The audience of the document is the king, or "President" as Patrick Henry calls him, and the colonists. Henry represents change. “Give me Liberty or give me death” is a speech given by Patrick Henry on March 23rd 1775 at St. Johns Henrico Parish Church in Richmond. This meeting discussed the records of Americas First Continental Congress that was later turned into a series of debates over whether or not to arm the colony of Virginia as a defense against invasions by the British army (Lively). Henry’s passionate speech persuaded the vote and it was the determining factor in committing Virginia troops to fight the British. He argued that the colony needed a well-regulated militia (Wilson).
Henry was a major figure of the revolutionary era, he is most known for his passionate speechmaking in defense of liberty (Lively). He was born on May 29th 1736 in Hanover County, Virginia and was expected to be more than just a farm boy because he …show more content…
The speech started, “Mr. President: 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.” Meaning he has the highest respect for patriotism and believes in the American Dream. He felt he should not hold any of his thoughts back, although others may disagree with his opinion. Patrick Henry had a way with his words throughout the whole speech. For example, he used the word “we” to include the audience he spoke to. Henry states, “Sir we are not weak, if we make proper use of the means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.” The verbal techniques and appeals were used successfully in Henry’s speech at the Virginia House of