Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death speech

hi

Who wrote the speech?

Patrick Henry

What date was the speech given?

March 23, 1775

Where was it given?

The Second Virginia Convention

Who did he deliver the speech to?

The Virginia House of Burgesses (including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson)

What was the purpose of his speech?

To convince the colony of Virginia to organize a militia to fight against British tyranny.

What was the central idea?

Patrick Henry believed that the colonies should fight the British for freedom, as peace and reconciliation had been rejected

How does he use persuasive language?

He asks rhetorical questions and the answers along with repetition

What alternatives did the colonists already try in their appeal to Great Britain?

They tried petitioning, arguing, and pleading with the British ministry

What are the “means” the colonies have to defeat the British?

people willing to fight, allies, and a just cause

How is Patrick Henry trustworthy?

He has experience and he is respectful to his listeners

What does “Give me liberty, or give me death” mean?

This means that Patrick Henry finds freedom so valuable that he would risk his life for it.

How did Patrick Henry persuade people to fight?

He used rhetorical questions, logical evidence, emotion, his credibility, and repetition

Why does he choose to speak freely?

If he doesn’t, he feels like he betrayed his country and was disloyal to God.

What does Patrick Henry argue that states why people should fight against Britain?

For the past 10 years, Britain has shown they cannot be trusted. Don’t fall for Britain’s tricks. Britain has sent forces in, but it is only for submission. God will help them fight. The war is inevitable. Since they tried to peace and reason with Britain and failed, it is time to fight for freedom.