1. Speech to the Virginia Convention
Patrick Henry
Speech to the Virginia Convention

2. Instructions
Patrick Henry is remembered for giving his famous speech “ Speech to the Virginia Convention.”
This website contains links to several different web pages about Patrick Henry. You will visit each of these links looking for specific information and details about Patrick Henry.
After you have all of the information, you will make an inference or educated guess about the purpose of Patrick Henry’s speech.
You will have 1 day to complete this assignment. Your information is due at the end of class.

3. Who is Patrick Henry? –Background information
Click this link:
Hint: check the section “Slow Start”
You need to find the following information:
When was Patrick Henry born?
Where was Patrick Henry born?
How did he receive his education?
What job did he hold?

4. Patrick Henry: The Revolutionary and the Patriot
Patrick Henry is famous for being a revolutionary in colonial America. He was also an American patriot.
Visit the following link. Look at definition #2. Write it/explain it in your own words
Then, visit the following link. Read the definition. Then, write it/explain it in your own words.

5. The House of Burgesses
In 1765, Patrick Henry was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses.
Visit this link to find out about the House of Burgesses. Then, answer the following questions.
What was the House of Burgesses?
What act did Patrick Henry protest through the House of Burgesses?

6. The First Continental Congress
After being a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, Patrick Henry was elected into the First Continental Congress.
Visit the following link. Then, answer the following questions.
What were the Intolerable Acts?
Where did the First Continental Congress meet?
What did the Continental Congress hope to do?

7. Patrick Henry’s Speech to the Virginia Convention
Patrick Henry returned to Virginia from the Continental Congress around March 23, 1775.
He relayed the information from the Continental Congress meeting to the colonial leaders in Virginia.
Visiting the following link to find out more about his speech. Answer the following questions.
First, check the third paragraph. In your own words, what were the colonial leaders discussing at the Virginia Convention?
What was Patrick Henry’s opinion on the debates? Check the fifth paragraph.
Did Patrick Henry do a good job of convincing the Convention? How do you know (Check paragraph 6)

8. Patrick Henry Images
Visit the following link. Look closely at the artist portrayals of Patrick Henry while giving his speech.
Based on these images, how would characterize or explain Patrick Henry?

9. Patrick Henry’s Famous Words
Patrick Henry is famous for one specific quotation from this speech. “Give me liberty, or give me death” In your own words, explain what you think this means. Use the knowledge you have gained from this scavenger hunt.