Patrick Henry
Represent: How did the colonists create a government that would represent their needs?
Over time, the colonists became angry with King George III for the taxes he and his government forced upon the colonies. The King of England has many debts leftover from the war against France, and he looked to the colonies to help pay them.
Among the taxes imposed by The Kingdom of England that angered the colonists was the Stamp Act of 1765, which taxed official documents printed on paper as well as other items, such as playing cards and newspapers. These taxes on printed materials greatly impacted students, journalists, and lawyers.
“No taxation without representation!”
The colonies had no one representing them in the British government and could not get the king to listen to their frustrations – which made them angry. In response to the Stamp Act, the slogan “No taxation without representation!” came about. The colonists did not think it was right that they had no say over Britain’s forcing of these taxes upon the colonies.
The taxes and laws enacted by the King led to the colonists declaring independence from England and declaring their liberty. The Revolutionary War between the colonies and England would eventually follow, and a man named Patrick Henry was central to this effort.
In the years surrounding Patrick Henry’s efforts, the taxes and laws against the colonies led to a more unified group of colonists who focused on a singular cause – to give liberty to the colonies and separate from England. As the American Revolution approached, Henry became one of Virginia’s leading advocates for independence. He helped create the First Continental Congress and in 1774 won the election to that body representing Virginia. In March of 1775, 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 prepare for conflict.
Patrick Henry served in the Continental Congress and took up residence in the Governor’s Palace after being elected Virginia’s first governor, serving from 1776-79 and 1784-86. Like George Mason, he initially refused to support the Constitution because it lacked a bill of rights, which would eventually be added as the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution.
- Patrick Henry’s father, John Henry, was an immigrant from Scotland. In 1727, John Henry set sail for the Virginia colony, where he worked and lived when Patrick was born.
- In 1754, 18-year-old Patrick Henry married Sarah Shelton, and he inherited a 300-acre farm. After some failed years as a farmer, Henry got a new job at his father-in-law’s tavern, which was across the street from the Hanover County Courthouse. Henry got to know many of the lawyers who frequented the courthouse and tavern, and his passion for the law was born. In his early 20s, Henry passed the bar exam and later set up a very successful legal practice.
- During his first year in office in the House of Burgesses in Williamsburg, the colonial attack on the Stamp Act was just beginning. Henry is famous for his defiance of the Stamp Act as well as his rhetoric against British tyranny.
- Patrick Henry helped to construct the Virginia state constitution, and on June 29, 1776, the Convention elected him the first governor of independent Virginia. The governor used his power during the war to help his friend George Washington, recruiting troops for the cause and sending supplies to Valley Forge during the infamous winter.
- Patrick Henry was a three-time governor of the State of Virginia. In 1776, he won the first of three consecutive terms, remaining in office until June 1, 1779.
- America’s first president, George Washington, allegedly offered Henry the position of Secretary of State in 1795. Henry politely declined the role.
“Gentlemen may cry, ‘Peace, Peace,’ but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? … Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!
Patrick Henry