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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.