We can only too well imagine the scene on March 23, 1775 when Patrick Henry delivered the “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech for which he became famous. The colonies were on the rise with Britain passing even more laws to tax them and treat them like second class citizens. The time for words had passed and the leaders of the struggle for independence were trying to gather strength to attempt a break with England. One of America's greatest leaders said that the end of Patrick Henry's speech “sparked the Revolutionary War. So what was so convincing about his speech? Of course his last words, "Give me liberty or give me death", were wavering words, but the overall speech was a call to arms which influenced the people of all the colonies to join this fight against their mother country, England . How did he do it? There is a big difference in today's society compared to that of 1775. Most settlers in the American colonies were Christians, whether Protestant or Catholic, Amish or Pilgrim. Most people of the time had a deep religious devotion to God and lived their lives according to the Word of God. So, even though Patrick Henry did not overtly quote Scripture in his speech, there are several allusions to the Holy Bible that people of that time would have quickly recognized it. This would most likely not be the case if this speech were given in a political forum in today's society. In the opening paragraphs Patrick Henry puts forward the ideal of God first and the nation second. He even goes so far as to suggest that not speaking would be “an act of disloyalty to the majesty of heaven whom I venerate above all earthly kings.” This would have resonated deeply with those who heard these words. Many of these settlers had identified the… middle of the card… much of its meaning would be lost to those listening. Not only because biblical knowledge in today's society is rare, but also because many would complain about the issue of separation of church and state. However, it is precisely the question of the union between Church and State that creates the deep and lasting impression it has made. It not only appealed to their sense of patriotism but also to their strong religious beliefs. “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” has earned a reputation as one of the most famous speeches in history. Works Cited Henry, Patrick. "Give me freedom or give me death." literati by creed. http://literati.credoreference.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/content/entry/chambspeeches/give_me_liberty_or_give_me_death/0 (accessed April 7, 2014). The Holy Bible, new international version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing Company, 1984.