Patrick Henry Essay

What do you think started the spark for the American Revolution? In the state of Virginia where all the great minds of the time met. Our forefathers where at a convention when a speaker of the name Patrick Henry speaks to the great patriots about what they should do about the war against Great Britain. The audience was full of patriots just like Henry that would die for their country in a heartbeat if it was needed to save their freedom and liberty. In a way to persuade the members of the Virginia convention to go to war with Britain Henry uses logical and emotional appeals. Why do you think Henry begins his speech with the statement â€Å"Mr. President: No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the house. But different men often see the same subject in different lights† (101). Here, Patrick Henry is showing that he is true patriot just like the patriots that are opposing the same views. This could be regarded as a concession to the opposing view that patriotism is important, but also a rejection to the opposing side who may say that only those who are not patriots would fight the British. He is also show respect for those who hold opposite views that he has. The time that the speech took place was when the revolution was coming for the Americans. They knew that war was coming so Henry uses emotional appeal to the convention so that he can get there side on to go to war instead of waiting around and Henry says â€Å"Their changing may be hear on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable and let it come I repeat, sir, let it come† (103). Henry is showing emotional appeal by wanting war to come so they can fight for their freedom. As a patriot he wants what is best for his country and he knows that war is coming. He embraces the war by telling the convention let it come because why wait for a war to happen and for their future generations to fight the war for them when it at their door step and as patriots they need react now or never. The Britain’s are the world power and they controlled the colonies, and the patriots of the 13 original colonies wanted the freedom now, but they were told they are weak. Henry states this to get the hopes up of his fellow patriots. â€Å"They tell us that we are weak- unable to cope with formidable an adversary but when be strong it will be next month or next year† (102). He raises the hopes using emotional appeal that they will the war easily because they are patriots and patriots stand up in what they believe in that they needed to be free from Britain’s Kings, taxes and rules so they could to become stronger. By using emotional and logical appeals Patrick Henry speech to the Virginia Convention he persuades them to go to war with Great Britain. He does this by making then patriots think about going to war for good reason. He also uses emotional appeals to get on the Convention side in the speech which influence their decision made by the forefathers. If not for this speech we could have all still been ruled by Great Britain.