In March 1775, Patrick Henry addressed the Virginia Convention, urging the colonies to prepare for possible conflict with Britain. His words became one of the most remembered speeches of the Revolutionary era.
• March 1775 — Virginia Convention meets
Colonial leaders gather to discuss next steps
• Patrick Henry delivers his speech
Calls for action and preparedness
• “Give me liberty, or give me death!”
The phrase becomes widely remembered
• Support for resistance grows
Momentum increases as tensions rise
Patrick Henry’s speech reflected the growing belief among many colonists that stronger action might be necessary as tensions with Britain increased.
Words and ideas can influence how people respond during important moments in history.