WHAT
Patrick Henry warned the Second Virginia Convention in Richmond that conflict with Britain was inevitable; the colonies must prepare to defend their liberty. His speech ended with one of the most famous lines in American history: “As for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
WHO
Henry was a prominent Virginia-born lawyer known for challenging British authority. His courtroom success launched a political career and made him a leading voice for colonial resistance.
WHAT FOLLOWED
The Convention narrowly approved Henry’s call to organize a Virginia militia. Soon after, armed conflict began between colonial forces and Britain, pushing the colonies toward revolution.
WHAT MOST DON’T KNOW
Henry’s speech was not written down at the time. The version known today was reconstructed decades later from eyewitness accounts.
ONE SIMPLE TAKEAWAY
Henry’s speech marked a turning point when many colonial leaders accepted that resistance—and eventually independence—would require war.
FLAG THIS FACT
Before the Stars and Stripes, the colonies used the Grand Union Flag—13 red and white stripes with the British Union Jack in the corner—first raised in 1775.