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Give me Liberty, or Give me Death!

This version was saved 7 years, 10 months ago View current version     Page history
Saved by Mr. Hengsterman
on May 31, 2016 at 10:25:38 am
 

 

 

 

http://chnm.gmu.edu/loudountah/resources_files/seipt_source-analysis.pdf

 

Give me Liberty, or Give me Death!" is a quotation attributed to Patrick Henry from a speech he made to the Virginia Convention. It was given on March 23, 1775 at St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia, and is credited with having swung the balance in convincing the Virginia House of Burgesses to pass a resolution delivering the Virginia troops to the Revolutionary War. Among the delegates to the convention were future US Presidents Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. Reportedly, those in attendance, upon hearing the speech, shouted, "give me liberty or give me death!"

 

The Virginia Resolves, passed as a defense against the Stamp Act in 1765

 

These resolutions give a direct insight into the hearts and minds of colonists in this period. Looking at them closely reveals the strong opinions and feelings of those closest to the issue. Each resolution brings up different points and should elicit different reactions from the students.

 

First Resolution: This resolution focuses on the role of colonists as full citizens of Britain, possessing “all the liberties, privileges, franchises, and immunities that have at any time been held, enjoyed, and possessed by the people of Great Britain.” 

 

Second Resolution: This resolution clarifies the point, reminding the reader that the charters granted by the king specifically guarantee these rights and privileges of citizenship to the inhabitants of the American colony.

 

Third Resolution: The key to this resolution is the distance between the “taxer” and the “taxee.” Implied in these words is an accusation that the King and Parliament do not know the situation of the colonists, do not understand the impact of this taxation, and are unaffected by any taxes on the colonists. 

 

Fourth Resolution: Here the authors argue that the Stamp Act is a total departure from the historical relationship between sovereign and colony. This right to maintain their own “internal policy and taxation” has been long agreed upon and recognized by “the kings and people of Great Britain.”

 

Fifth Resolution: Even though it was not passed by the legislature, it may as well have been, as it was published along with the others in newspapers. Here the legislature takes things a step further, no longer simply questioning the actions of the crown but specifically stating that the assembly has the “only and exclusive” right to lay taxes on the colonists.

 

This is a departure from the civility contained in the previous resolutions. Here the assembly is telling the king and Parliament what they can and cannot do. In fact, these resolutions seem to show a steady progression towards a heated argument. Challenging the authority of the king is not something done lightly, as evidenced by the assembly’s repeal of this provision

 

 

 

http://chnm.gmu.edu/loudountah/resources_files/seipt_source-analysis.pdf

 

 

 

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