Give me liberty or give me death - Definition and Overview

"Give me liberty or give me death" is a famous quote from a speech made by Patrick Henry to the Virginia House of Burgesses.

"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!"

The speech was given March 23, 1775 in St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia and is credited with having singlehandedly convinced the Virginia House of Burgesses to pass a resolution delivering the Virginia troops to the Revolutionary War. Reportedly, the crowd, upon hearing the speech jumped up and shouted "To Arms! To Arms!".

See Also

• Text of Patrick Henry's speech to the Virgina House of Burgesses (http://www.law.ou.edu/hist/henry.html)
• Speech background and commentary (http://www.pointsouth.com/csanet/greatmen/henry/henry1.htm)