Patrick Henry

Introduction

Patrick Henry was one of the most influential figures during the American Revolution, known for his oratory skills and his strong dedication towards the cause of independence. Henry was a lawyer, statesman, and a founding father of America, whose contribution to the independence movement helped shape the nation into what it is today. This article will explore the life, works, and legacy of Patrick Henry, highlighting the key moments that have led him to become one of the most celebrated figures in American history.

Early Life and Education

Patrick Henry was born on May 29, 1736, in Hanover County, Virginia. He was the second son of John Henry, a Scottish immigrant, and Sarah Winston Syme. Henry’s parents were farmers who were not financially stable. As a result, young Henry had limited access to formal education and was mostly self-taught. Nonetheless, his early education at home and church played a vital role in shaping his future.

Henry’s father was a prominent Anglican Church vestryman, which exposed young Patrick to religious teachings from an early age. This was critical in shaping Henry’s spiritual outlook, and he later became an advocate of religious freedom. Henry’s father also owned a tavern that served as a meeting place for lawyers and legislators, which also influenced his son’s political ambitions.

Henry’s Childhood and Marriage

Henry experienced many struggles during his childhood due to his family’s financial instability. At age 15, his father died, leaving him to take care of his mother and siblings. To support his family, Henry worked as a storekeeper, farmer, and a surveyor. During this period, he met and married Sarah Shelton, who was the daughter of a wealthy planter. Sarah’s family helped alleviate the financial burden on Henry’s family, allowing him to pursue his career in law.

Eager to increase his legal knowledge, Henry trained under George Wythe, a prominent lawyer from Williamsburg, Virginia. In 1760, Henry was admitted to the Virginia bar and established his law practice, which enabled him to serve the public and earn a comfortable living.

Political Rise and Resistance to British Rule

Patrick Henry’s political career began when he was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1765. He quickly gained the reputation of being an effective orator, which made him a force to be reckoned with. His speeches were memorable and persuasive, and he used them to challenge British rule and assert the rights of American colonists. Henry believed that American colonists had a right to resist British attempts to control their lives and dictate their affairs.

Henry’s most famous speech, “Give me liberty or give me death,” was delivered to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1775. This speech galvanized support for the colonial resistance movement and emphasized Henry’s personal commitment to the cause. The speech denounced British attempts to impose taxation on American colonists and called for resistance to British rule.

Henry’s contribution to the independence movement did not end with his speeches. In 1774, he served on the Virginia Committee of Correspondence, which was formed to establish communication channels among the colonies to coordinate resistance efforts. In 1775, Henry was elected as the first Virginia governor under the newly established Commonwealth.

Henry was also a member of the Virginia Convention, which was held to draft a new constitution for the state. He played a significant role in drafting the Virginia Bill of Rights, which was adopted in 1776. This document laid the foundation for many of the individual rights and freedoms that are now enshrined in the United States Constitution.

Later Life and Legacy

After his tenure as governor, Henry returned to his law practice, representing clients from all walks of life. He continued to play a significant role in Virginia politics and was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1784. In 1788, he opposed the adoption of the United States Constitution, believing that it gave too much power to the federal government at the expense of the states’ rights.

Henry retired from politics in 1790, and his health began to decline sharply. He suffered a stroke in 1799, and his speech and mobility were severely affected. He died on June 6, 1799, at the age of 63.

Patrick Henry’s legacy lives on in American history, and his contributions to the country’s founding have been appreciated throughout the years. His speeches and writings inspired countless Americans to embrace the values of individual liberty and self-determination that are the hallmarks of the American experience. His “Give me liberty or give me death” speech remains one of the most famous and stirring speeches in American history.

Henry County, Georgia, and Virginia are named in his honor, as are numerous schools, colleges, and streets throughout the United States. His iconic image is depicted on the $10,000 bill, which is no longer in circulation.

Patrick Henry’s contribution to the American Revolution was immense. His oratory skills, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the cause of independence helped galvanize support for the American Revolution and establish the American values of freedom and liberty. His legacy continues to inspire and influence the United States and people around the world, and he remains one of the most celebrated figures in American history.

Founding Father: Patrick Henry

Patrick Henry’s Early Life

Patrick Henry was born on May 29, 1736, in Studley, Virginia. As a child, Patrick Henry was a little bit lazy, so his parents were worried about his future. They knew he would not be a farmer, so they tried to educate him at home. He would not pay attention to his studies as well, so when he was 21 years old, his father set up a business for him.

Unfortunately, Patrick Henry bankrupted the business. Patrick Henry had gotten married at the age of 18, so he needed to find a way to support his family. He decided to study for six weeks and then take an exam to become a lawyer. He passed the exam in 1760 and began working right away.

Patrick Henry’s Mission for Independence

In 1763, Patrick Henry argued a case that made him very famous. In the Parson’s Cause, Patrick Henry argued that any king who would veto laws that were passed by a local legislature was acting like a tyrant who gives up his loyalty to the people below him. This was the beginning of Patrick Henry’s struggle to get independence for the 13 American colonies.

Patrick Henry became a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1764. This was one of the first representative governments in the colonies. The next year, Patrick Henry made seven resolutions against the Stamp Act, which had been made by Great Britain. Patrick Henry convinced other members of the House to support his resolutions, which showed Great Britain that the colonists were not happy with “taxation without representation.”

Patrick Henry kept making speeches and working as a lawyer throughout all of this. He gave another speech in March 1775, asking the people of Virginia to take up arms to protect themselves. Because Great Britain placed too many taxes and restrictions on the colonies, Patrick Henry felt it was time for the American colonists to stand up for themselves. He ended his speech with the famous words “give me liberty or give me death.”

Patrick Henry’s speech was on the same day the British marched on Concord. This was where the first battle of the Revolutionary War happened. When Henry found out that the Governor of Virginia had taken the gunpowder from a storehouse in Williamsburg, Patrick Henry set up the militia and marched to demand the return of the gunpowder or money in exchange for the stolen gunpowder. The governor paid money, but then declared Patrick Henry an outlaw.

Representative and Governor

Patrick Henry continued the fight for the colony’s independence as a representative in the House of Burgesses. Patrick Henry attended the constitutional convention in Virginia and became the very first governor of Virginia after the colonies became independent. Patrick Henry was Governor for three terms until he decided to retire and go back home.

Patrick Henry did not go to the Constitutional Convention because he thought that the federal government should not be strong and that the states should have more power. However, Patrick Henry was a very important movement to add the Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution.

Patrick Henry became very sick at the end of his life and because of it, he refused to be the Secretary of State under President George Washington as well as the Minister to France under President John Adams. Patrick Henry passed away on June 6, 1799, at the age of 62.

Fun Facts about Patrick Henry

•He was a member of the First Continental Congress and the Second Continental Congress.

•He opposed the U.S. Constitution.

•He helped lead the movement for Virginia’s independence.