As tensions rise between England and her American colonies, a young lawyer rose to speak to his fellow Virginians regarding the issues at hand. Patrick Henry's speech in March 1775 was a bold public statement of his opinions about the colony's course of action.
Form a response to the speech by using one or more of the given prompts:
1) Henry's speech was a call to action. Describe what did he want his fellow Virginians to do? What were his justifications for the proposed action? Explain how did Henry address the concerns of those who did not agree with him?
2) Slavery was an ordinary theme in Henry's speech. What imagery did Henry use to describe his message? Explain why would those images have resonated so strongly with his audience?
3) All through his speech, Henry referenced a diversity of Biblical themes. Write down some of the most striking references Henry used? Why would these themes have resonated with his audience?