# Patrick Henry

> American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 – 1799)

**Wikidata**: [Q311885](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q311885)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Henry)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/patrick-henry

## Summary
Patrick Henry was an American Founding Father, renowned orator, and politician who played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. Born in 1736, he is best known for his iconic "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech, delivered in 1775, which galvanized colonial resistance against British rule. Henry served as the first Governor of Virginia and was a staunch advocate for states' rights and the Anti-Federalist movement.

## Biography
- **Born**: May 29, 1736 (or January 1, 1736, per some sources)
- **Nationality**: American (citizenship: United States, Q30)
- **Education**: Not explicitly detailed in provided sources.
- **Known for**: "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech; advocacy for American independence; Anti-Federalist leadership.
- **Employer(s)**: Governor of Virginia (multiple terms); member of the Continental Congress.
- **Field(s)**: Politics, law, oratory.

## Contributions
- **"Give me liberty, or give me death!" Speech (March 23, 1775)**: Delivered at St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia, this speech is credited with rallying colonial support for the Revolutionary War.
- **Governor of Virginia**: Served five terms (1776–1779, 1784–1786), leading the state through the Revolution and its early post-independence years.
- **Anti-Federalist Advocacy**: Opposed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, fearing centralized power would threaten individual liberties, and advocated for the Bill of Rights.
- **Early Political Career**: Served in the Virginia House of Burgesses (1765–1774), where he famously defended colonial rights against British policies like the Stamp Act.

## FAQs
**What was Patrick Henry's most famous speech?**  
His "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech on March 23, 1775, is his most iconic contribution, urging colonial militia to prepare for war against Britain.

**What political offices did Patrick Henry hold?**  
He served as the first Governor of Virginia (five terms), a member of the Continental Congress, and a delegate in the Virginia House of Burgesses.

**Why did Patrick Henry oppose the U.S. Constitution?**  
As an Anti-Federalist, he feared the Constitution granted excessive power to the federal government, threatening states' rights and individual freedoms, and pushed for the inclusion of the Bill of Rights.

**What counties are named after Patrick Henry?**  
Multiple U.S. counties bear his name, including in Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Alabama, Indiana, Georgia, Illinois, and Tennessee.

## Why They Matter
Patrick Henry's impassioned oratory and political leadership were instrumental in mobilizing colonial resistance against British rule, directly contributing to the momentum of the American Revolution. His advocacy for states' rights and individual liberties shaped the Anti-Federalist movement, ensuring the inclusion of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution. Without his influence, the trajectory of American independence and the foundational emphasis on personal freedoms might have been significantly altered.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Revolutionary Speech**: "Give me liberty, or give me death!" remains a symbol of defiance against tyranny.
- **Anti-Federalist Leadership**: Key figure in advocating for the Bill of Rights to safeguard individual liberties.
- **Governor of Virginia**: Led the state through critical periods of the Revolutionary War and early statehood.
- **Namesake of Counties**: Multiple U.S. counties honor his legacy, reflecting his national significance.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Patrick Henry was born on May 29, 1736 (or January 1, 1736, per some sources), in Hanover County, Virginia. While specific details of his education are not provided in the source material, his early career in law and politics suggests a strong foundation in legal studies and rhetoric.

### Political Career
- **Virginia House of Burgesses (1765–1774)**: Henry's political career began with his election to this body, where he gained prominence for his opposition to British taxation policies, notably the Stamp Act. His 1765 "If this be treason, make the most of it!" speech underscored his defiance against colonial subjugation.
- **Continental Congress**: Represented Virginia in the Second Continental Congress, contributing to the colonies' unified resistance efforts.
- **Governor of Virginia (1776–1779, 1784–1786)**: As the first Governor, Henry navigated Virginia through the Revolutionary War, ensuring the state's support for the Continental Army and managing wartime governance.

### Oratorical Legacy
Henry's mastery of rhetoric was a defining trait. His ability to inspire action through speech, exemplified by the "Give me liberty, or give me death!" address, solidified his reputation as one of America's greatest orators. This speech, delivered to the Second Virginia Convention, urged immediate preparation for war, leaving a lasting impact on Revolutionary sentiment.

### Anti-Federalism and the Constitution
Henry's skepticism of centralized authority led him to oppose the original U.S. Constitution. He feared the potential for federal overreach and the erosion of states' rights. His vocal advocacy, alongside other Anti-Federalists, pressured the inclusion of the Bill of Rights, ensuring explicit protections for individual liberties within the Constitution.

### Legacy and Honors
- **County Namesakes**: His legacy is commemorated through counties in Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Alabama, Indiana, Georgia, Illinois, and Tennessee, reflecting his widespread influence.
- **Historical Recognition**: Henry is celebrated as a Founding Father, with his contributions to American independence and constitutional governance remaining central to U.S. history.

### Connections and Relationships
- **Founding Fathers of the United States**: Henry was a key member of this group, collaborating with figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to secure independence.
- **"Give me liberty, or give me Death!"**: This iconic line, from his 1775 speech, is recognized as a pivotal moment in rallying colonial support for the Revolution.

### Structural Properties and Identifiers
Patrick Henry is associated with numerous identifiers across databases and archives, including VIAF ID 73875491, Library of Congress ID n50036580, and ISNI 0000000081534805, among others. These highlight his significant presence in historical records and scholarly research.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Genealogics
4. [Source](https://history.house.virginia.gov/search)
5. Geni.com
6. Integrated Authority File
7. [A New Nation Votes: American Electoral Returns, 1788-1825](https://elections.lib.tufts.edu/catalog/HP0078)
8. Library of the World's Best Literature
9. International Standard Name Identifier
10. MusicBrainz
11. [Source](https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/patrick-henry#:~:text=He%20died%20on%20June%206,Hill%20Patrick%20Henry%20National%20Memorial.)
12. SNAC
13. Find a Grave
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15. GeneaStar
16. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. [Source](https://elections.lib.tufts.edu/catalog/HP0078)
19. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index8.html)
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25. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Henry-Patrick;3911042.html)
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