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Why do we say "Give me liberty or give me death"?

Well-Known Expressions

Give me liberty or give me death

Background:

Whilst a similar sentiment was expressed by Aeschylus (525-456 b.c.) who said 'Death is better, a milder fate than tyranny', this particular quote comes from Patrick Henry (1736-99) who, a few weeks before the American Revolution, called on the American colonies to revolt against England.

His battle cry at the Second Virginia Convention in March 1775 has become a slogan for generations of Americans.

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