Who Said Give Me Liberty Or Death

Patrick Henry, the great American patriot and orator, is best remembered for his stirring words in 1775 at the Second Virginia Convention speech in which he famously proclaimed, “Give me liberty or give me death!” In the speech, Henry rallied the colonies against what he saw as the tyrannical British rule, citing the need to separate from the British to achieve liberty.

The exact phrasing of the speech was, “I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!” This phrase was included multiple times throughout the passionate speech which was an emotional call to arms for the American war for independence. It worked and has served since then as one of the great rallying cries for freedom in the United States.

At the time of his speech, the Second Virginia Convention was debating whether or not to take up arms against the British and still remain loyal. Henry’s speech made a point to mention their rights as Englishmen, and their responsibility to protect their liberties at all costs. He argued for immediate and total separation from England, an idea which was controversial and not widely accepted at the time.

The power and eloquence of Henry’s speech eventually swayed the convention and they chose to take arms against the British. His impassioned words have been immortalized ever since as one of the hallmarks of American independence.

The phrase “Give me liberty or give me death” has gone on to inspire countless other causes and movements to this day. It’s a call to action that embodies the spirit of revolt and political argument. It remains relevant to this day and is a testament to the power of oratory in propelling the movement’s goals.