What did give me liberty or give me death mean to patriots?

Answer 1

"Give me liberty or give me death" is a famous quotation from a speech made by Patrick Henry to the Virginia House of Burgesses. In part he said:

Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!

The speech was given March 23, 1775, at St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia, and is credited with having single-handedly convinced the Virginia House of Burgesses to pass a resolution delivering the Virginia troops to the Revolutionary War. In attendance were Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. Reportedly, the crowd, upon hearing the speech, jumped up and shouted, "To Arms! To Arms!"

Answer 2

No. It was a statement of conviction. Patrick Henry, when he said it in a speech on March 23, 1775, knew that all of the colonists risked death by fighting for independence. But for him, it was worth the battle.

Answer 3

It means that the speaker would rather die than not be free.

Answer 4

Just that. Give me freedom or I will fight/die for it, because I prefer death to enslavement.