Patrick Henry Biography
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Born in 1736, in Virginia, Patrick Henry was one of the best orators America ever produced. At the age of twenty-four, he decided to study law. His orating skills were well recognized and appreciated by large sections of the society. In fact, it is believed that many people would turn up to listen to his speech irrespective of whether they were involved in the case or not. Four year later, he was elected to the House of Burgesses, Virginia.
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Many were moved by his impressive speech against the Stamp Act imposed by the British giving him instant fame and glory. He soon broadened his base and became an extremely important figure in the field of politics. He became a member of the First Continental Congress. Soon after, he became a member of the Second Continental Congress as well.
In 1775, he delivered the famous speech in the Virginal Provincial Convention urging his fellow countrymen to stand up against the British rule and possess arms to defend themselves and their country. His famous words, “Give me liberty or give me death” became a slogan among many. In the year 1776, he was requested to write the Constitution for Virginia. He became the Governor of Virginia soon after in the same year.
His popularity among his people can be understood by the number of times he was reelected as a Governor. He held the post from 1777 to 1788, serving a total of five terms. When asked to ratify the Constitution, he made sure that the Bill of Rights be included to safeguard the rights and freedom of the American citizens.
He retired from politics soon after to continue his profession as a lawyer. The love and admiration of his people saw him being elected as the Governor for the sixth time in 1796. He won the elections in the Virginia State Legislature, but died before he could take office.
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Patrick Henry is famous for his slogan, “Give me liberty, or give me death”. However, not many know the importance or the events that led to the famous dialogue that drove the Americans against the British rule. Given below are some important facts about Patrick Henry: