Patrick Henry and Thomas paine Biography!

Patrick Henry (May 29, 1736 - June 6, 1799served as the first and sixth post-colonial Governor of virginia from 1776 to 1779 and subsequently, from 1784 to 1786. A prominent figure in the American Revolution and Declaration of Independance, Henry is known and remembered for his "Give me Liberty or Give me death!" speech, and as one of the Founding Fathers. Along with Samuel Adams and Thomas paine.

Thomas Paine:

On January 29, 1737, Thomas Paine was born in Thetford, England. His father, a corseter, had grand visions for his son, but by the age of 12, Thomas had failed out of school. The young Paine began apprenticing for his father, but again, he failed. So, now age 19, Paine went to sea. This adventure didn't last too long, and by 1768 he found himself as an excise (tax) officer in England. Thomas didn't exactly excel at the role, getting discharged from his post twice in four years, but as an inkling of what was to come, he published The Case of the Officers of Excise (1772), arguing for a pay raise for officers. In 1774, by happenstance, he met Benjamin Franklin in London, who helped him emigrate to Philadelphia.

His career turned to journalism while in Philadelphia, and suddenly, Thomas Paine became very important. In 1776, he published Common Sense, a strong defense of American Independence from England. He traveled with the Continental Army and wasn't a success as a soldier, but he produced The Crisis (1776-83), which helped inspire the Army. This pamphlet was so popular that as a percentage of the population, it was read by or read to more people than today watch the Super Bowl.

But, instead of continuing to help the Revolutionary cause, he returned to Europe and pursued other ventures, including working on a smokeless candle and an iron bridge. In 1791-92, he wroteThe Rights of Man in response to criticism of the French Revolution. This work caused Paine to be labeled an outlaw in England for his anti-monarchist views. He would have been arrested, but he fled for France to join the National Convention.

By 1793, he was imprisoned in France for not endorsing the execution of Louis XVI. During his imprisonment, he wrote and distributed the first part of what was to become his most famous work at the time, the anti-church text, The Age of Reason (1794-96). He was freed in 1794 (narrowly escaping execution) thanks to the efforts of James Monroe, then U.S. Minister to France. Paine remained in France until 1802 when he returned to America on an invitation from Thomas Jefferson. Paine discovered that his contributions to the American Revolution had been all but eradicated due to his religious views. Derided by the public and abandoned by his friends, he died on June 8, 1809 at the age of 72 in New York City.

Patrick Henry " give me death or give me freedom "

Taxation without representation

In the 1760s the British Parliament placed new taxes on the colonies. The 1764 Sugar Act, the 1765 Stamp Act, put taxes and duties on imports such of sugar and tea. The 1767 Townshend Acts placed taxes on printed documents and publications.

Many colonists objected to these acts, claiming that only their elected assemblies had the right to tax them. Since colonies did not elect representative to the Parliament, these acts were seen as illegal, or as the colonists put it "no taxation without representation." The colonists resisteted by coycotting English goods until the acts were repealed. Americans also violently attacked tax collectors to prevent them from collecting taxes.

Declaration of Independence

3 important decicions where taken that made Independance more clearer and near:

* They declared Indpendence from Brittan

* They choosed a Republican role model for their goverment .

* they confederated the 13 colonies and made them what whe now now as The United States Of America.

Colonists took action

Fortunetly for the Massachussets colony other colonies also took action , they viewed British as a thread for Freedom . Delegates from each colony met in Philadelphia . The First Continental Congress included important figures like Patrick Henry , he said the famous quote " give me liberty or give me freedom " he also set up a very important factor for Independence in which was unification he also mentioned new ideals in which talked about being an American that their was no more distinction from being a New Yorker , Virginian ect.....

WAR IS ON!: Battle of Lexington and Concord

The Brittish army was the most powerful of its time, why should they fear a revolution? After all, the only thing you needed to win this war was to capture their leaders and destroy the few weapons they had left.
The plan was to mobilize the troops to Lexington to capture Adams and Hancock and to Concord to rid the colonists of their weapon supplies and ammunition. Now, these plans were supposed to be secret, even to the Brittish soldiers. However colonists spies managed to adquire the info on the attack. Paul Revere along with William Dawes and Dr. Samuel Prescott rode to warn of the colonist attack. Paul Revere managed to reach Lexington and warn Sam Adams and John Hancock so they could escape.

"Paul Revere's Night Ride"

At Lexington the Brittish instead of finding the Adams and Hancock they found an improvised militia waiting for them. The minutemen(called like that for they said they could be ready to fight in less than a minute) were greatly outnumbered and had to disperse at the Brittish' orders. Howerver, someone shot their rifle and the Brittish in defense shot back killing 8 colonists and succeeding in dispersing th colonists.

"Continental Minuteman"

At Concord the colonists had more time to assemble and prepare for the attack. The Brittish knew that taking Concord was crucial. If they controlled the Concord Bridge they would stop the colonists' comunications and seize their upheaval.
What the Brittish found at Concord was not the same as in Lexington. They found an outnumbering army of colonial militia ready to attack. And so they did.
Not only did the colonists won that battle, they nearly obliterated the Brittish forcing them to retreat back to Boston. This epic April 18th would be known as "The Sot Heard All Over the World" for what the colonists had accomplished. A bunch of inexpirienced farmers had defeated a highly skilled and the most powerful army men of the world, the Brittish Troopers. This, was the start of the War for Independance!

"Bring it On Lobbies!"

The life of a soldier has never been easy . In this American Revolution war , 2 main armys fought the English army and the colonial militia also knowned by this name . their where many differences and similarities on the both sides of the armies.

Similarities

Both had war tactics .

Both had uniforms as a demonstration of Diciplinity and Honor to their country.

Both fought for the same piece of land .

Both had horses and muskets .

Differences

English army had redcoat uniform in wich made them a clear blank from far distances away .

Colonial Militia didnt had uniforms they were more an improvised army.

English soldiers had the war tactic of standing in rows to fire and a front row by there knees.

Colonial soldiers fought from what they learned from the British army and from what they learned from the natives in wich was more valuable .

British soldiers went on wars to avoid jail , or because the good pay it offered .

Colonial militia fought from true patriotisim and bravery.