On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry spoke the words that would make him a household name.
“I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
The famous quote was spoken in a speech to the second Virginia Convention, in response to the increasingly oppressive British rule over the American colonies.
“Let Mr. Madison tell me when did liberty ever exist when the sword and the purse were given up from the people? Unless a miracle shall interpose, no nation ever did, nor ever can retain its liberty after the loss of the sword and the purse.”
-Patrick Henry
“The great object is that every man be armed.”
-Patrick Henry
“When the American spirit was in its youth, the language of America was different: Liberty, sir, was the primary object.”
-Patrick Henry
“Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense?”
-Patrick Henry
“The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed.”
– Patrick Henry
“My great objection to this government is, that it does not leave us the means of defending our rights, or of waging wars against tyrants.”
-Patrick Henry
“I am not well versed in history, but I will submit to your recollection, whether liberty has been destroyed most often by the licentiousness of the people, or by the tyranny of rulers. I imagine, sir, you will find the balance on the side of tyranny.”
-Patrick Henry
“We should not forget that the spark which ignited the American Revolution was caused by the British attempt to confiscate the firearms of the colonists”
-Patrick Henry
“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
