Patrick Henry
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Orator of the Revolution
Patrick Henry was born on a Virginia tobacco farm where he learned to play the fiddle, trade goods, and observe court arguments. After trying shopkeeping and farming, he studied law and quickly developed a reputation for persuasive jury speeches. Outraged by the Stamp Act, Henry argued in the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1765 that only colonial assemblies could tax Virginians, finishing with words that compared George III to other tyrants in history.
Henry became famous for his fearless oratory at town meetings and conventions. His most quoted speech came in 1775 at St. John's Church in Richmond, where he declared, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" The speech urged the colony to form militias because peaceful petitions had failed. His call convinced many delegates that preparations for self-defense were necessary, even if they hoped war could still be avoided.
During the early Revolution Henry served on Virginia's Committee of Safety, helping manage supplies and enlistments. He became the commonwealth's first governor in 1776 and guided the state through five one-year terms. He dealt with frontier raids, shortages, and the challenge of supporting Continental troops while protecting local communities. Though he clashed with some military leaders, his energy kept Virginia engaged in the war effort.
After the Revolution Henry remained wary of a powerful central government. He initially opposed the Constitution because he feared it did not protect individual liberties strongly enough. His arguments pushed the Virginia ratifying convention to demand a bill of rights, contributing to the amendments James Madison later drafted. Henry eventually accepted the new system but urged leaders to watch for abuses.
Henry retired to his plantation, practiced law, and occasionally returned to politics, turning down several national offices offered by George Washington and John Adams. He died in 1799, remembered most for speeches that translated complex politics into plain, urgent language citizens could grasp.
Henry became famous for his fearless oratory at town meetings and conventions. His most quoted speech came in 1775 at St. John's Church in Richmond, where he declared, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" The speech urged the colony to form militias because peaceful petitions had failed. His call convinced many delegates that preparations for self-defense were necessary, even if they hoped war could still be avoided.
During the early Revolution Henry served on Virginia's Committee of Safety, helping manage supplies and enlistments. He became the commonwealth's first governor in 1776 and guided the state through five one-year terms. He dealt with frontier raids, shortages, and the challenge of supporting Continental troops while protecting local communities. Though he clashed with some military leaders, his energy kept Virginia engaged in the war effort.
After the Revolution Henry remained wary of a powerful central government. He initially opposed the Constitution because he feared it did not protect individual liberties strongly enough. His arguments pushed the Virginia ratifying convention to demand a bill of rights, contributing to the amendments James Madison later drafted. Henry eventually accepted the new system but urged leaders to watch for abuses.
Henry retired to his plantation, practiced law, and occasionally returned to politics, turning down several national offices offered by George Washington and John Adams. He died in 1799, remembered most for speeches that translated complex politics into plain, urgent language citizens could grasp.
What We Can Learn
- Henry's speeches challenged British taxes and inspired militias
- As Virginia's first governor he managed wartime logistics
- He opposed the Constitution until a bill of rights was promised
- His oratory showed how plain language can mobilize citizens
