Patrick Henry

Shelton House - Shenk

Patrick Henry (May 29, 1736 – June 6, 1799) was an American attorney, planter, and orator well known for his declaration to the Second Virginia Convention (1775): "Give me liberty, or give me death!" A Founding Father, he served as the first and sixth post-colonial Governor of Virginia, from 1776 to 1779 and from 1784 to 1786.

Henry was born in Hanover County, Virginia, and was educated primarily by his father. He initially attempted to work as a planter before moving into a successful career in law. He became an outspoken critic of the British government's policies towards the colonies and is remembered as a key figure in the push towards revolution. His early legal career was marked by his defense of the rights of Virginians against the British government's attempts to impose taxes without representation.

In the 1760s, Henry was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses, where he became a vocal opponent of the Stamp Act 1765, arguing that only the Virginia legislature had the authority to tax its citizens. His resolutions against the Stamp Act marked the beginning of his prominence as a revolutionary leader.

Henry was instrumental in the formation of the Virginia Convention, a series of meetings that debated independence from Great Britain. His famous "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech in March 1775 is credited with swinging the balance in favor of mobilizing for armed conflict against British rule.

During the American Revolutionary War, Henry served as the commander of the 1st Virginia Regiment and later as the head of the Virginia militia. Despite his military roles, he is more celebrated for his leadership in advocating for the rights and independence of the American colonies.

After the war, Henry was a key figure in the debate over the ratification of the United States Constitution. Initially, he was an anti-Federalist, concerned that the Constitution did not adequately protect the rights of the states and individuals. However, after the Bill of Rights was proposed to guarantee individual liberties, Henry became a supporter of the Constitution.

Henry's later years were marked by his return to the Virginia legislature, where he continued to influence state and national politics. He declined several opportunities to serve in higher offices, including appointments as a United States Senator, ambassador roles, and a nomination to the Supreme Court.

Patrick Henry's legacy is that of a fiery orator and staunch advocate for individual liberty and the rights of Americans, which earned him a place as a foundational figure in American history. His speeches and writings continue to be studied for their rhetorical brilliance and their contribution to the principles of American democracy.

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