He started a law practice and soon became involved in Virginia politics. A firebrand from the outset, he quickly established himself as one of Virginia's most radical politicians. Not long after entering the legislature, Henry authored the Virginia Stamp Act Resolutions in response to the Stamp Act of , a controversial and, to many colonists, oppressive tax measure passed by the British parliament. Henry argued against parliament's right to directly tax the colonies in language so passionately pointed that some accused him of promoting treason.
As the American Revolution approached, Henry became one of Virginia's leading advocates for independence. He helped create the First Continental Congress, and in won election to that body representing Virginia. On March 23, Henry made what would become his most famous speech before a gathering of Virginia legislators at St. John's Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia.
There he urged his fellow Virginians to arm themselves and reportedly underscored his remarks with a statement that would resonate for generations, "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death. When the Revolution began in earnest, Henry briefly led the Virginia militia before winning the first of his five terms as Virginia's governor in Henry was the lawyer for Hanover County in the lawsuit regarding the damages.
He effectively argued in favor of the law and compared the king to a tyrant for vetoing laws passed by a local legislature. He convinced the jury to award the parson only one penny in damages. As a result of this case, Henry earned a reputation for being a powerful and persuasive orator. The case is seen as one of the pivotal events leading to the American Revolution. Henry vehemently opposed the Stamp Act of That same year, he was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses.
Nine days after assuming his seat, he introduced the Virginia Stamp Acts Resolutions, which claimed that according to British law American colonists could only be taxed by a parliamentary body in which they had elected representatives. During his speech introducing the legislation, Henry used language that prompted other burgesses to accuse him of treason. When the British closed the port of Boston in response to the Boston Tea Party, the Virginia House of Burgesses declared June 1, would be a day of fasting and prayer in support for the people of Boston.
Throughout the colonies, Committees of Correspondence had been created several years prior to coordinate efforts concerning the British. These committees led to the gathering of the First Continental Congress in September The exchange of ideas, information and debate between different John Adams was a leader of the American Revolution and served as the second U. The Massachusetts-born, Harvard-educated Adams began his career as a lawyer. Intelligent, patriotic, opinionated and blunt, Adams became a critic of Great Live TV.
This Day In History. History Vault. Recommended for you. Patrick Henry. Henry Hudson. Who Was St. John Hancock American Revolution leader John Hancock was a signer of the Declaration of Independence in and a governor of Massachusetts. Committees of Correspondence Committees of correspondence were emergency provisional governments set up in the 13 American colonies in response to British policies leading up to the Revolutionary War also known as the American Revolution.
See More. In , Henry left public service. He chose to return to being a lawyer and had a thriving practice. Over the years, Henry received numerous appointments to such positions as Supreme Court justice, Secretary of State and Attorney General, but he turned them all down. He preferred being with his second wife, Dorothea, and their many children, rather than navigating the world of politics.
His first wife had died in , after a battle with mental illness. Henry was the father of 17 children between his two marriages. In , Henry was finally persuaded to run for office. He had switched political parties by this time, becoming a part of the Federalists.
At the urging of his friend, Washington, Henry fought for a seat in the Virginia legislature. He won the post, but he didn't live long enough to serve. He died on June 6, , at his Red Hill home. While he never held national office, Patrick Henry is remembered as one of the great revolutionary leaders. He has been called the "Trumpet" and "Voice" of the American Revolution. His powerful speeches served as a call for rebellion, and his political proposals offered suggestions for a new nation.
We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us! Subscribe to the Biography newsletter to receive stories about the people who shaped our world and the stories that shaped their lives. George Mason was an American patriot who participated in the American Revolution and the Constitutional Convention and who was influential in penning the Bill of Rights.
The fourth U. Patrick Dempsey is an American actor best known for his role as Dr.
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