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Significant U.S. Documents. Maria Zumpano APUSH Period 6 Due: April 27 th , 2010. Colonial &Founding Documents . Historical Document . “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” Speech .
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Significant U.S. Documents Maria Zumpano APUSH Period 6 Due: April 27th, 2010
Historical Document “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”Speech “It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? 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 March 23rd, 1977
Topic/main Idea Henry thought Britain would not reconcile with the colonies on terms that would assure them rights and said war was the only option; they had to prepare their defenses against Britain.
Point of view/bias Many people, however, saw hope and thought defense was not necessary due to rumors; the British was on the path way to reconciliation, they were backing away from unpopular decisions.
Inferences/outside information 1) Henry was making a speech to the Virginia Convention. 2) First Continental Congress had already met. 3) Henry was seen as a radical advocate of the American Revolution and republicanism. 4) Virginia joined the American Revolution after this. 5) Henry after the war was a leader of the anti-federalists who opposed the replacement of the Articles of Confederating because he feared it would endanger freedoms that were won in the war.