How Did Patrick Henry Contribute To The American Revolution

“Give me liberty or give me death.” That was a famous quote from Patrick Henry, one of the leading figures of the American Revolutionary period. Living from 1736 to 1799, Henry lived a fulfilled life. Early in his life he was a planter and a shopkeeper, but when he failed at both of those he became a politician and an influential public speaker. This paper will examine what Patrick Henry did as a politician in the American Revolution, why it was important, and how he has made a difference in our country today.
Patrick Henry was a memorable politician. He was not only a five-term governor of Virginia, but also served in the Virginia House of Burgesses and the Continental Congress. His eloquent speaking ability made him a successful leader. Soon after he joined the House of Burgesses he persuaded the assembly to pass a series of resolutions against the Stamp Act, called the Virginia Resolves. He continued to rise up and lead the House of Burgesses to stand up against the King of England and his control over the colonies.
Patrick Henry’s influence and persuasiveness in the House of Burgesses and over the people of the colonies gave them a reason to fight for liberty. By standing up against the King of England’s control, like with the Stamp Act Resolves, Henry lead the charge to allow the colonies to work independently of the British Parliament. …show more content…
For those fighting the ratification of the Constitution in Virginia, Henry took leadership. One of the arguments that he brought to the table was that there wasn’t a Bill of Rights for the people. The government was supposed to be strictly limited to making the laws so the people of the colonies thought that a Bill of Rights was unnecessary and not even a possibility. Henry helped pass the Bill of Rights and it has proven to be very useful as the Federal government has assumed more and more