Colonial Documents

Justin Peavey

“Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”

• What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! - Patrick Henry

Topic

• Patrick Henry is saying that it is better to live a life of freedom and to die free than to live a long life of servitude.

Point of View

• Patrick Henry was trying to inspire the people of Virginia to support the Revolution and revolt against England.

Inferences/ Outside information

• This speech is credited with having swung the balance in convincing the Virginia House of Burgesses to pass a resolution delivering the Virginia troops to the Revolutionary War.

• Reportedly, those in attendance, upon hearing the speech, shouted, "To arms! To arms!"