Patrick henry political biography summary

(1736-1799)

Who Was Patrick Henry?

Patrick Henry was an American Revolution-era orator best known for his quote "Give me liberty or give me death!" Henry was an influential leader in the radical opposition to the British government but only accepted the new federal government after the passage of the Bill of Rights, for which he was in great measure responsible.

Patrick henry political biography summary

With his persuasive and passionate speeches, Henry helped kickstart the American Revolution.

Early Life

Henry was born on May 29, 1736, in Hanover County, Virginia, on a plantation that belonged to his mother's family.

Unlike his mother, who had strong roots in the region, his father immigrated to the colony from Scotland.

The second of nine children, Henry received much of his schooling from his father, who had attended university in Scotland, and his uncle, an Anglican minister.

He was a musical child, playing both the fiddle and the flute. He may have modeled his great oratory style on t