Existing comment:
Bell from St. John's Church, Richmond, site of Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death!" speech
1775: Liberty or Death:
Leaders in the Virginia House of Burgesses argued that man has a natural right to reject an unreasonable government. Patrick Henry argued that only colonial assemblies can make laws for the colonies. He urged Virginians to prepare for war with England. For them to do so, however, would be treason, punishable by hanging. His rallying cry, "Give me liberty or give me death!" has been repeated by oppressed people around the world. |