The phrase "Give me liberty or give me death!" was famously said by American politician and orator Patrick Henry. He delivered this statement in a speech to the Second Virginia Convention on March 23, 1775, at St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia
. This speech was a pivotal moment that helped convince the convention to support raising a militia for the Revolutionary War against British rule
. Henry's speech emphasized the inevitability of war with Britain and the necessity of fighting for freedom rather than living in slavery. His closing words, "Give me liberty or give me death," powerfully expressed his willingness to die rather than live without liberty, inspiring many to join the cause of American independence
. Although no written record of the exact speech exists and some historians debate the precise wording, Patrick Henry is credited with this iconic phrase that has become a symbol of the American fight for freedom
