author
Patrick Henry
1736–1799
Remembered as one of the most powerful voices of the American Revolution, Patrick Henry inspired resistance to British rule with his fearless speeches and passion for liberty. His words helped shape Virginia politics and the emerging United States.
1 Audiobook
Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death
by Patrick Henry
About the author
Patrick Henry (1736–1799) was an American attorney, planter, politician, and celebrated orator from Virginia. He rose to prominence through the Parsons’ Cause, a legal case that challenged royal authority, and soon became a leading voice in the colonial opposition to British rule.
A delegate to the Continental Congress and the Virginia Convention, Henry helped rally support for independence. He later served several terms as governor of Virginia and played an important role in the state’s early political life.
Henry is best remembered for his stirring 1775 speech urging Virginia to prepare for war, which ended with the words, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” His speeches and political career made him one of the defining figures of the American founding.