HISTORY - AMERICAN HISTORY

“Give me Liberty or Give me Death”

“Give me Liberty or Give me Death”

Henry's speech was a call to action. What did he want his fellow Virginians to do? How did he justify his desire? In what ways did Henry address the concerns of those who did not agree with him?

Answer

On 23rd March, 1775, the Second Virginia Convention held in St. John's Church. On this occasion, Patrick Henry stood and addressed his delegates about arming and defense of Virginia State. Although, few delegates supported the settlement with Britain, but others refused the Britain's demand and Henry directed his Virginians fellow to fight against Britain. The speech of Henry was very persuading. He appealed to the emotions of audience and managed to encourage them that England, the tyrant colonialist had changed its colonists into slaves, and therefore, Americans has to struggle to gain their freedom, or stay slaves of Britain. Throughout his speech, he represents firm facts for justifying his call for action. Henry says to his fellow delegates that The Great Britain is ready for war and their army is already placed into fields, and now Americans could not sit behind and call for peace when there is no peace. This call for action was certainly tremendous as his speech was so persuasive that Virginians could easily stimulate for attaining freedom for their state. Though America was in support of reconciliation and love, but at contrast, Britain has lent their armies and fleets on the soil of America, for suppressing its colonies and opposing to promote piece. Therefore, Americans had the complete justification against Britain for freeing their country from cruel slavery. He said that the troops of British were on the soil of America for riveting and binding Americans in slavery chains. Henry appreciated his fellow delegates for their potential independence and by depicting America as an enslaved nation by Britain.

Henry provided substantial proof for supporting his position, in order to support his “call to action” at the Virginia Convention. Undoubtedly, the appeal of emotions once provoked them against the British colonies for a moment, but those were just short-lived and their survival will depend on proof. Henry tried to convince those people who were not agreed with his address. He attempted to push his audience into the speech and tried to evident the obvious requirement for the colonies to arm themselves against the deadly plans of ...