On July 4, 2024, America will once celebrate its independence from Great Britain and creation of the United States. The year 1776 was a turning point for North America, a continent destined for radical change, bloodshed, transformation, and redemption. The colonists living under British rule understood that independence would be costly. However, overreach from England and the passage of legislation intended to enrich its coffers, proved to be too much. What started as small conversations, soon emerged as a revolution that produced some of the most prominent figures in American history. Among them was the late Patrick Henry (1736-1799), one of America’s founding fathers and the first Governore of the State of Virginia. History classes and pop culture have referred to his famous line “give me liberty, or give me death!”, but Henry was far more interesting. This biography by Jon Kukla takes a look at Henry’s life and the founding of a nation.

As I began to read, it dawned on me that Henry had never served in the Federal Government. At first, I thought to myself that it was odd but having read the biography, I understand his decision to remain in Virginia. And despite his reluctance to serve in a presidential cabinet, he became one of the strongest voices for independence. But first, we learn about his early life in Studley, Virginia when the thought of a United States had not yet been conceived. As I read the book from the comfort of my modern-day home, I imagined life in the 1700s and the hardships people endured. Life was not easy but there were colonists who had no issue with British rule and thought independence was far-fetched. However, life changed with the passage of legislation from England that placed the colonists in a financial chokehold. On March 22, 1765, the British Parliament passed the Stamp Act, and this piece of legislation provided the final spark needed to ignite the American Revolution. But where was Henry throughout all of this? Well, he was not off to the side keeping his thoughts to himself. In fact, next to Samuel Adams (1722-1803), Henry emerges as a leading figure in the quest to end British tyranny and live freely in a new nation. The author does an incredible job of re-creating the past as we follow Henry’s path as the suspense heightens. Familiar names enter the story as the small group of conspirators evolves into a movement.

Britain was aware of the colonists’ growing frustrations and plans to revolt. Its attempts to quash rebellion but it soone becomes clear that the movement for independence cannot be stopped and a battle was brewing. What ensues is a cat and mouse game between the colonists secretly meeting and corresponding, and the British seeking to break apart the “troublemakers” causing dissention in the colonies. And before long, the war is on. However, Henry does not find himself on the front lines with troops but instead with other visionaries who began to shape what would become the United States Government. And for good reason. Readers with a strong interest in America’s creation will love this part of the book. While reading, I could feel the excitement as vision became reality and colonies became the Union. Of course, there were bumps along the way with disagreements over policy and the war effort itself. In one case, Henry makes a crucial decision that cemented a lifelong friendship with America’s first leader, George Washington(1732-1799). And the elephant in the room is the issue of slavery which became increasingly abhorred as cries for freedom echoed across the colonies. Henry was no stranger to slavery, having inherited slaves like other leading figures of his time. But to his credit, he was vocal about its ills and the need for its removal. However, the dilemma he faced was the same issue the first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) would face decades later when American became embroiled in a civil war. But, while serving in Virginia’s government, Henry does make strides to abolish slavery. Today it sounds unreal that a discussion was needed but in the late 1700s, humand bondage was a way of life in many parts of the world.

Following the British defeat, the founding fathers realized there was work to be done. And this is where the story takes an interesting turn. The creation of a new country was no small feat, but Henry and his fellow patriots had a vision they believed in. Of course, there were hiccups along the way as we see in the book. Henry was unwavering in his beliefs, and his steadfast nature earned him the respect of his peers, even when they disagreed. There were those who learned this the hard way as we see in the interactions with future U.S. President Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) and New York State’s first Chief Justice, John Jay (1745-1829). The rift between Henry and Jay is interesting, and I learned of it for the first time in this book. Jefferson’s fallout with Henry is also intriguing, but for reasons different from the situation involving Jay. But what is perfectly clear is that Henry would never budge from the things he passionately believed in and fought for. And this brings us to his position on states’ rights. Of all the founding figures I have read about, Henry is by far the most vocal when it comes to states’ rights and limited federal government, arguments that occur to this day. And interesting, what sets off the chain of events is a suggested policy by the Government about the debt from the war which sets off the alarm bells in Henry’s mind.

Following his retreat from government, Henry’s life becomes quiet as the book reaches its conclusion. And the final moment we know is coming arrives and marks the end of an extraordinary life. Today he is best known for a slogan, but in his time, Patrick Henry was both feared and respected. And without him, American history might be vastly different. He was flawed as we all are, but no one could question his commitment to a nation free of British rule and joined together as the United States. Highly recommended.

ASIN : B01MQ3LVJP