Patrick Henry is the historical figure famous for his speeches advocating for independence from British rule. Renowned for his passionate rhetoric, Henry's most famous phrase "Give me liberty, or give me death!" delivered in 1775 at the Second Virginia Convention, galvanized support for armed resistance against the British. As a leading figure in the American Revolution, he played a crucial role in rallying colonies to unite against British oppression. His advocacy for individual rights and his skepticism of centralized power significantly influenced the development of American political thought and the formulation of the Bill of Rights.