March 23, 1775; took place at St. John’s Church, Richmond; it happened during the second Virginia Convention

Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugationl the last arguments to which kings resort

Boats and troops/armies and warships (“martial array”) are ready: to win them back, or to attack? (Those who believe in reconciliation are blind, because the British are clearly attacking)

Important people

Lieutenant-Governor Dunmore: As the loyalist governor of Virginia, Dunmore dissolved the House of Burgesses in 1774, as they supported the British colonists.

Patrick Henry: Prominent figure during the American Revolution, known for his speech where he declared, “Give me liberty or give me death!”.

• First post-colonial governor of Virginia

• Member of First Continental Congress

• During his speech, he treats the audience with respect and admires all opinions because they are just as patriotic as him

Peyton Randolph: Patrick refers to him as “Mr. President”, as he is president of the First and Second Continental Congresses and a speaker of the House of Burgesses

King George III: Although not directly mentioned in the speech, the king is referred to as “the ministry”

Purpose

• to persuade the Virginia Convention to take action against British Rule, and to gather support: call to arms

• to plead that people open their eyes, even though they don’t want to acknowledge the bad news

• to convince that the British do mean harm

• Their petitions, demonstrations, and begging have not done anything for them but produce additional violence and prompt ignorance (“remonstrated” + “supplicated”)

Important Quotes

1. “…I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery;”

This quote uses false dichotomy, as it emphasizes the gravity of the situation by making it seem like there is absolutely no other choice

The alternative to fighting is slavery

2. “…and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts”

This use of allusion shows how taking no action is the equivalent of blindly following the lies of British rule. No matter how good reconciliation may sound, it is clear that the king is not aiming for that.

3. “It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country”

and

“I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings”

Incorporates religion to further share his view that they need to fight for God’s purpose

4. “Give me liberty, or give me death!”

This is of course the most famous quote from this speech, as it emphasizes the need for the colonists to fight for freedom.

5. “I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience”

Judging from the past 10 years, the British ministry has not and will not change their impositions such as tax. Their most recent “petition”, the Declaration of Rights, was only met with an “insidious smile”

There is no peace! The war has aleady begun!

Vocab

Inviolate: can’t be violated

Inestimable: can’t be estimated

Remonstrated: Demonstrated

Supplicated: Begged

Supinely: lying on your back (to show how if we do nothing, then we are simply waiting to be attacked)

Phantom of hope: The illusion of hope (to reconcile)