Who Said “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”? Behind the Speech

At the Virginia Convention on March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry spoke these famous words in a speech that became a defining moment in his career as a statesman and for the Commonwealth of Virginia and what would soon become the United States of America. Patrick Henry delivered his famous "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech less than a month before the American Revolution began. (It started on April 19, 1775.)

Henry's most well-known line from the "give me liberty or give me death" speech came into play at the very end of his presentation. His last words to the audience were:

"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

Henry's "give me liberty or give me death" quote provided an excellent call to action for his audience. Henry's words were so inspirational that the crowds who had gathered to hear it responded by shouting back "To arms! To arms!" While ten years passed before the American Revolution officially began, his words likely inspired many to commit to the cause of independence and freedom.

The colonies were ready to break away from England, and it had become apparent by the Virginia Convention of 1775 that this would not happen peacefully. Realizing that war with Britain had become inevitable, Henry addressed the audience with the intention of convincing them that they must enter the American Revolution in order to defend their freedom. In the full text of his speech, he spoke about:

• How the people were turning their eyes to an injustice perpetrated by England.
• How ignoring how Britain treated them could not be good for their country in the long run.
• It was their duty not only to themselves but also to God to fight for the freedom they believed they so rightly deserved.

In saying, "Give me liberty or give me death," Patrick Henry is strongly expressing that he would rather die than live without liberty. He is seeking to inspire bravery and action in others who, like him, also value liberty so much that they would be willing to fight and make the ultimate sacrifice (death) in order to secure liberty.

Patrick Henry was very involved in the political systems of the then British colony of Virginia and played an integral role in the formation of the United States of America as an independent nation free from British rule. He always acted as a radical and was often referred to as a firebrand.

• Henry was an advocate for the people in the 1763 Parson's Cause trial, in which he argued against prices paid to the clergy for tobacco.
• He was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1765 where he adamantly promoted the Stamp Act, which imposed unfair taxes and restrictions on the British colonies.
• He proposed the Virginia Stamp Act Resolutions, which served to denounce Britain in what some considered to be an act of treason.
• He was appointed to the First Continental Congress, which was seated from 1774-1781 under the leadership of Peyton Randolph.
• Henry and other delegates to the Continental Congress played a key role in coordinating colonial resistance to the British during the early days of the American revolution.
• He was the first post-colonial Governor of Virginia, reigning from 1776 to 1779, then again from 1784 to 1786.
• During the American Revolution (1785-1783), he went home to Virginia and physically led militia forces in their efforts to protect the colony's inventory of gunpowder.
• After the American Revolution, he became a founding father of the United States of America.
• He was an anti-federalist who fiercely opposed the ratification of the Constitution. He felt it gave too much power to the federal government and not enough to the states.
• Henry did support the Bill of Rights, becoming an instrumental figure in the enforcement of that doctrine.

Aside from the major effect of inciting Virginia into the American Revolution (also known as the Revolutionary War), Henry's words also have another powerful meaning. He made a very grand and intense statement that he would rather die than not have liberty. The passion with which he crafted his speech is undeniable. While some may think that he was using "Give me liberty or give me death" as hyperbole, the seriousness of the subject of which he spoke and the enthusiasm and fearlessness he displayed through his life for political matters show that he was quite serious in his intent and ready to stand by his words.

Now that you've learned about Patrick Henry's famous quote and explored a bit about his background, learn about other key leaders of his day. Since he is one of the founding fathers who did not actually sign the Constitution, take the time to learn about those who did sign the Constitution.