What Historical Facts Inspired Patrick Henry to Write the Give Me Liberty Give Me Death - Speech or Presentation Example

What historically (historical facts) inspired Patrick Henry to write the speech "Give me liberty or give me death" Introduction: Patrick Henry is still regarded as the ‘Homer of Orators’ within the American literary canon. He is most renowned for his words ‘Give me Liberty or Give me Death’ which he uttered to his followers on the eve of the Declaration of Independence. A recently taken public opinion poll by Gallup found that nearly one in two American associate Patrick Henry with his heroic oratory. According to the poll results, he stands alongside Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson and Franklin Roosevelt as one of the most inspiring public speakers in American history. This history speech first appeared in William Wirt’s biography in the year 1817 (Mayo, 1959). This essay will examine the factors that motivated Patrick Henry to give this historic speech. One of the reasons for popularity the speech and the folk hero status of its speaker emerges from his firebrand persona – he was not so much an intellectual as he was an impassioned leader of men. For example, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson – prominent founding fathers – were both prolific writers. A compilation of their work brings up a tally of close to hundred volumes. While Washington and Jefferson were also known for their engaging public addresses, it was their writing prowess that would remain as lasting legacy. Patrick Henry, on the other hand, was not part of the pre-independence political establishment in America. He was one among the masses. The popular appeal of the person and his words is attributable to this heritage of Patrick Henry. It is in this context that poet Lord Byron referred to Henry as ‘the forest-born Demosthenes’ (Eddlem, 1990). Henry Stephens Randall, a clergyman, was present during Patrick Henry’s speech. He gives a first-hand account of the atmosphere during the speech. His account is consistent with the widely held view of Patrick Henry being a firebrand orator and an inspirational public speaker. According to Randall, "Henry rose with an unearthly fire burning in his eye. He commenced somewhat calmly, but the smothered excitement began more and more to play upon his features and thrill in the tones of his voice. The tendons of his neck stood out white and rigid like whipcords. His voice rose louder and louder, until the walls of the building, and all within them, seemed to shake and rock in its tremendous vibrations. His last exclamation, ‘Give me liberty, or give me death! was like the shout of the leader which turns back the rout of battle. It seemed as if a word from him would have led to any wild explosion of violence. Men looked beside themselves.” (Mayo, 1959) Another historical fact that spurred Patrick Henry to deliver those memorable words was the refusal of the loyalists to abdicate their privileges under the British crown. Patrick Henry implored to the loyalists that the present state of American colonies is one of “humiliation under the iron heel of military despotism” (Tyler, 1898). Toward the last decades of the eighteenth century, the British Empire was under a period of distress. As a measure of setting right trade deficits, the King decreed an increase in taxes for all subjects, which included the colonials in America. The American settlers felt indignant by this decree. They felt that they were being treated like second-class people of the empire. Apart from this key trigger, the first signs of a revolutionary movement were already underway. A culmination of these factors propelled the course of history to its inevitable result, namely the Declaration of Independence of America and its subsequent fruition. (Tyler, 1898) Patrick Henry strongly believed that the British colonies in America will not make progress as long as they are subservient to the monarchy stationed across the Atlantic. So, while emotion and rhetoric were key elements in his speech, rationale and logic were not also employed. For example, during the course of his speech, Henry tries to convince his audience the inherent disadvantages and encumbrances of continued British command in America, when he says, “They tell us, sir, that we are weak, -- unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of Hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?” (American Rhetoric: Context and Criticism, 1989) Conclusion: Hence, in sum, it could be asserted that a combination of key factors prompted Patrick Henry to make that historic speech on the eve of the American Revolution. Firstly, Henry and many fellow colonists felt humiliated by the imposition of exorbitant taxes on them by the British crown. Secondly, the command of the British monarchy from all the way across the Atlantic Ocean appeared no longer viable and practicable. Irrespective of the common Anglo-Saxon roots of the ruling elite, in the two hundred years of inhabitation in America, they have assumed a unique identity of their own. Thirdly, Patrick Henry’s personality was such that he was a passionate public speaker who inspired his cadres with powerful words. It was this trait in him that prompted the utterance of those dramatic words “Give me liberty, or Give me death!” Works Cited: American Rhetoric: Context and Criticism. Ed. Thomas W. Benson. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University Press, 1989. Eddlem, Thomas R. "Libertys Son of Thunder: Patrick Henrys Words Were His Most Potent Weapons. Americans Sacrificing for Their Country Today Still Echo His Thunderous Cry, "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!". 1990. Lynn, Barry W. "Visiting Patrick Henry: Give Me Liberty, Give Me Debate." Church & State May 2007: 23. Mayo, Bernard. Myths and Men: Patrick Henry, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson. Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press, 1959. Tyler, Moses Coit. Patrick Henry. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1898. Read More