Who famously said, "Give me liberty, or give me death!"?

The phrase "Give me liberty, or give me death!" was famously uttered by Patrick Henry during a speech he delivered at the Second Virginia Convention in 1775. This poignant declaration was a call to arms against British oppression and is often cited as a turning point in American revolutionary sentiment. It encapsulates the fervent desire for freedom and the lengths to which individuals would go to achieve it.

Patrick Henry was a staunch advocate for colonial rights and his rhetoric played a significant role in galvanizing support for independence from Britain. This powerful speech, with its emphatic choice between the value of liberty and the cost of living under tyranny, is remembered as one of the most influential moments in the lead-up to the American Revolution, effectively rallying those who were hesitant about the conflict.

In this context, it’s clear why the other individuals associated with the alternatives—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin—are not credited with this specific quote, as they were known for various other contributions to the founding of the United States and did not deliver this particular proclamation.