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Definition: Henry, Patrick from Philip's Encyclopedia

American patriot and statesman. As a member of the Continental Congress, he called the colonists to arms in March 1775 with the demand, "Give me liberty or give me death". Henry served as governor of Virginia (1776-79, 1784-86). A strong believer in states' rights, he opposed ratification of the US Constitution in 1787.


HENRY, PATRICK

From Encyclopedia of U.S. Political History
1736-1799 Lawyer, Orator, and Statesman Patrick Henry was perhaps the greatest orator of the Virginia House of Burgesses in the colonial era, employing his formidable rhetorical skills as a leading opponent of the Stamp Act and other parliamentary taxation measures in the 1760s. In the 1770s, Henry was one of the early Virginian proponents of complete independence from Great Britain. He later served as governor of Virginia during the Revolution. Patrick Henry's career spanned the entire period of the American founding—from the early criticism of British authority in the 1760s through the 1790s. Recognized by Virginian contemporaries as "the man who gave the first impulse to the ball of revolution," Patrick Henry was born at Studley, in Hanover County, Virginia, on May 29, l736. His father, John Henry, was a Scots immigrant educated at the University of Aberdeen, a prosperous planter, and justice of the peace; his mother, Sarah Winston Syme, was a well-connected widow. Henry received…
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Full text Article Patrick Henry

From Chambers Classic Speeches
Patrick Henry (1736-99) was born in Hanover County, Virginia. After working as shopkeeper and farmer, he trained as a lawyer. He became a member of the colonial Virginia House of Burgesses (1765-74), where his oratory won him fame. He was an outspoken opponent of British policy towards the colonies, …
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Full text Article Henry, Patrick

From Chambers Biographical Dictionary
1736-99 American revolutionary and statesman Born in Hanover County, Virginia, he trained as a lawyer after a career as a shopkeeper and farmer. He entered the colonial Virginia House of Burgesses (1765-74), where his oratory won him fame. He was an outspoken opponent of British policy towards the…
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Full text Article Henry, Patrick

From The Great American History Fact-Finder
Colonial orator and statesman during the American Revolution . Henry served in the Virginia House of Burgesses , where he denounced the Stamp Act, and was a member of the Continental Congress , where he supported a boycott of English goods. He advocated war in his fiery speech to the Virginia…
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Full text Article Patrick Henry (1736-1799)

From The Encyclopedia of The Continental Congresses
Patrick Henry (1736-1799)
Patrick Henry is connected forever with his words, “Give me liberty or give me death.” It was a seminal moment in the gathering movement to gain American independence from England, one that has been captured by history, and one which has set Patrick Henry aside as a founder of the American nation. …
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Full text Article Patrick Henry (1736–1799)

From The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather Guide
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Full text Article Henry

From Merriam-Webster's Collegiate(R) Dictionary Full text Article Biographical Names
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Full text Article FREEDOM

From Collins Dictionary of Quotations
A day, an hour of virtuous libertyIs worth a whole eternity in bondage. ADDISON, Joseph Cato (1713). As a general rule, the freedom of any people can be judged by the volume of their laughter. [Declaration sent to Pope John XXII by the Scottish barons] For so long as but a hundred of us remain…
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Full text Article FORECAST

From Gaither's Dictionary of Scientific Quotations
French sociologist and historian Foreknowledge of the future makes it possible to manipulate both enemies and supporters. The Opium of the Intellectuals Chapter IX (p. 284 ) Secker & Warburg. London England . 1957. Roman orator, politician, and philosopher I wonder…that a soothsayer doesn't…
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Full text Article HENRY, PATRICK (1736-99)

From The Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of the American Enlightenment
Patrick Henry was one of the most influential Patriots who promoted resistance to British authority during the American Revolution. In his bold assertion of the popular right of revolution against tyrannical power, he made a significant contribution to the American Enlightenment. He continued to…
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Full text Article Henry, Patrick

From Encyclopedia of American Literature Full text Article Volume 1
(b. 1736–d. 1799) American orator, statesman Patrick Henry is known for his radical visions expressed with sharp wit. He is most renowned for his fiery speeches, many of which were transcribed. Henry was born on May 29, 1736, in Hanover County, Virginia, and began his career as a shopkeeper and…
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