Patrick Henry Speech In The Virginia Convention

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In 1775, the American colonists were faced with a question that would lead to everlasting consequences on their newly developing nation. Due to the several unjust taxes Great Britain had forced them to pay, colonial America was torn into two. Those who sided with Great Britain became known as loyalists; however, those believed the colonies should declare independence became known as the patriots. Patrick Henry, a passionate American patriot, advocates to declare war upon the tyrannical nation of Great Britain in the speech “Speech in the Virginia Convention” that he delivers to the delegates at the Virginia Convention. Patrick Henry’s purpose in writing this speech is to inform the delegates that war with Great Britain is necessary and to encourage …show more content…

In order to increase patriotism, Henry calls attention to the idea that “[America is] not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature [has placed] in our power.” After mentioning Britain’s view of colonial America, Henry provides the audience with the hope that the American people can defeat the British if they take action. Henry encourages the audience to be confident by stating that even God, the almighty one, is on their side. Henry establishes his credibility and trustworthiness by aligning God’s views with his own. To further encourage the delegates, he says “the battle… is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.” By omitting conjunctions, Henry presents the advantages the Americans possess over the British. While the British are just “strong”, the Americans are “vigilant”, “active”, and “brave”, traits which are more beneficial. Henry believes that the “three millions of people” will join together to defeat the British and fight for liberty. The omission of the conjunctions allows the delegates to understand how Henry trusts the “vigilant”, “active”, and “brave” will all

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