Which historical figure famously said, "Give me liberty or give me death"?

The phrase "Give me liberty or give me death" was famously declared by Patrick Henry during a speech he delivered at the Second Virginia Convention in 1775. This impassioned statement underscores the deep commitment and urgency felt by Henry and many others in the American colonies regarding the fight for independence from British rule. His speech aimed to inspire action against oppression and to rally support for the revolutionary cause, making it one of the most powerful and memorable expressions of the desire for freedom in American history.

The association of this phrase with Patrick Henry is significant in understanding the revolutionary spirit of the time. While other historical figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson played critical roles in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States, it was Henry's words that encapsulated the fervor for liberty that resonated with many colonists and subsequently propelled them toward revolt. Samuel Adams also contributed to the revolutionary narratives of the time, but it is Henry’s fierce declaration that truly embodies the call for personal and collective freedom.