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Teaching EXCERPT: Speech to 2nd Virginia Convention, "Give me liberty, or give me death!"(1775)


Patrick Henry presented plans to form a militia and raise arms against the British at the Second Virginia Convention. Those who opposed him argued it would be better to be patient and wait to see how the British Crown responded to their latest requests. Henry responded to his opponents with an eloquent and passionate speech calling his fellow colonists to enter into war with Britain. \n\nHis speech was not written down at the time. In 1808, a biographer who was writing a book about Henry spoke with people who attended the meeting. They remembered his speech, especially the famous last sentence, and helped him put together the following.

Patrick Henry
Public Domain


How does one know when it is time to go to war?
RH.1 - Meaning & Evidence, US.03 - Revolution & the New Nation (1754-1820s)


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