Patrick Henry US Congressperson
- Gender: Male
- Citizenship: United States
- Born: May 29, 1736
- Died: Jun 6, 1799
Patrick Henry was an American attorney, planter and politician who became known as an orator during the movement for independence in Virginia in the 1770s. A Founding Father, he served as the first and sixth post-colonial Governor of Virginia, from 1776 to 1779 and from 1784 to 1786.
Henry led the opposition to the Stamp Act of 1765 and is remembered for his "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech. Along with Samuel Adams and Thomas Paine, he is regarded as one of the most influential champions of Republicanism and an invested promoter of the American Revolution and its fight for independence.
After the Revolution, Henry was a leader of the anti-federalists in Virginia. He opposed the United States Constitution, fearing that it endangered the rights of the States as well as the freedoms of individuals; he helped gain adoption of the Bill of Rights. By 1798 however, he supported President John Adams and the Federalists; he denounced passage of the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions as he feared the social unrest and widespread executions that had followed the increasing radicalism of the French Revolution.
As a married man, Henry was an expanding landowner.
For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth to know the worst and provide for it.
truth
This is all the inheritance I give to my dear family. The religion of Christ will give them one which will make them rich indeed.
family & religion
Perfect freedom is as necessary to the health and vigor of commerce as it is to the health and vigor of citizenship.
freedom & health
I have now disposed of all my property to my family. There is one thing more I wish I could give them, and that is the Christian religion.
family & religion
The great object is that every man be armed.
greatness
Fear is the passion of slaves.
fear
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience.
experience
I know of no way of judging the future but by the past.
the future
I know not what others may choose but, as for me, give me liberty or give me death.
death
Give me liberty or give me death.
death