Author's+Purpose

__**Authors Purpose**__

Patrick Henry’s purpose in this speech is to convince the Virginia House of Burgesses to send their troops to aid the cause of the Revolutionary War. Henry uses questions and literary devices to persuade his audience to side with him.

After this speech was recognized and Virginia House of Burgesses sided with Henry, revolutionaries gained control of each of the thirteen colonial governments (which were created by the Second Continental Congress) they formed a Continental Army. Then in 1776, America formally declared their independence as a new nation.

Do you think that this speech led to the Declaration of Independence due to the quote "Give me liberty or give me death"? Explain your answer.

Do you believe that Patrick Henry would actually give his life for the sake of liberty? Would you give your life for this purpose?