Patrick Henry

Patrick Henry was born on his family farm in Hanover County in the British Colony of Virginia, on May 29, 1736.  Religion played a key role in his life; his father and namesake uncle were both devout and were both major influences.

In 1760 Henry applied for a lawyer's license. He passed in April, and opened a practice, appearing in the courts of Hanover and nearby counties.  Henry became a skilled lawyer because he displayed quick wit, knowledge of human nature, and forensic gifts.

Patrick Henry was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1765.  In the 1770s, many in the British North American colonies started to feel anger towards their government in faraway London and thought the solution was independence.  

On March 22, 1775, Patrick Henry spoke before the Virginia House of Burgesses thus:

"If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. 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? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? 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!"

Forty seven years later in Brazil, Dom Pedro Segundo stated "independencia ou morte" - independence or death in English.  Was that a coincidence?

Both Patrick Henry and Dom Pedro Segundo were spared death and achieved independence for their countries from their European colonizers.