Essay On Patrick Henry

Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry was an American hero. He dedicated his life to fight the British and pave the way for a new country. He lead the charge in opposing unfair British taxation and encouraged the colonists to stand and fight against tyranny. Patrick Henry’s fiery speeches, uncompromisable morals, and intense desire for liberty directly influenced Americans desire for freedom.
Henry’s early life prepared him to lead a country to liberty. His early life was a true iconic american one. Henry’s father, John Henry, was a wealthy planter who was married to Sarah Winston Syme Henry. Patrick was born in Hanover County, Virginia. He received most of his childhood education from his father (Schmittroth 1). “In 1760 at age twenty-three,

Henry decided to become a lawyer and over the next several years, the intelligent young man built a successful law practice” (Schmittroth 2). All this shaped and molded Henry for his future role in government.
Patrick Henry was extremely passionate to keep England from imposing its totalitarian rule in the colonies.

Henry boldly lead the charge and opposed all unfair British taxation. He acted with allies if he could but was not afraid to lead by himself. “Henry also sponsored resolves against the stamp act, denying the power of Parliament to tax Virginians, which, published throughout the colonies, marked him as an early radical leader” (“Patrick Henry,” Encyclopedia of World Biography 1). He used his position in the House of Burgesses to deliver speech after speech opposing the British Stamp Act that required some publications and documents to have a stamp. Henry alongside Richard Henry Lee travel to the First Continental in Philadelphia to rally the people (“Patrick Henry,” Britannica School 1). Henry alongside other radicals aspired to unite the colonists as Americans to resist Britain. Henry boldly Proclaimed, “The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders are no more,” Henry said, “I am not a Virginian, but an American” (“Patrick Henry,” Encyclopedia of World Biography

1).
Patrick Henry did not just talk the talk but he truly walked the walk.

He was well aware that his anti-British policies could result in him being tried as a traitor of the crown. Yet he persevered and not only did he continued his speeches but he acted on them. At the first revolutionary convention in 1775, Henry made his most memorable call to arms. “We must fight! [...] An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us! [...] 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,” Encyclopedia of World Biography 2)! This bold declaration made Virgina quickly choose independence. For six months Henry lead Virginia's regular forces, but soon resigned to let better equipped men take the role. Henry continued his bold speeches that led to the creation of the declaration of independence. Henry continued to be the constant voice for independence and freedom. His courage and commitment inspired a backwoods band of rebels to defeat the strongest known military in the world. This lead Henry to be elected the First Governor of Virginia (“Patrick Henry,” Encyclopedia of World

Biography).
Henry continued to serve the people of America as a wartime governor and as a civilian. He wisely used Virginia's resources to help support Congress and Washington’s army. Under Henry’s rule legislation was passed making Virginia a self-governing republic. After his time as governor ran out he retired peacefully and attended family matters (“Patrick Henry,” Encyclopedia of World Biography). Yet Henry still occasionally continued participated in debates. “Henry engaged Madison and his colleagues in a dramatic debate. He called upon all his oratorical powers to parade before the delegates the tyrannies that would result under the new Constitution: Federal tax gatherers would harass men working peacefully in their own vineyards, citizens would be hauled off for trial in distant courts before unknow judges, and the president would prove to be a worse tyrant that even George III (“Patrick Henry,” Encyclopedia of World Biography). Henry was very concerned that the new nation he helped create would begin practicing the same tyrannical policies of England.
In conclusion, Patrick Henry’s policies successfully lead America to rebel against England. He used his oratorical powers to inspire the hearts and souls of the people. Henry did not shy away from the challenges set before him but gallantly lead the fight of freedom. Patrick Henry was a dedicated and inspired American who used his God given talents to lead and encourage a group of colonist to rebel against the strongest military in the world, and successfully helped constructed a new form of government lead by the people for the people. He changed the course of history.