"Give me liberty, or give me death!" Shirt

From Patrick Henry's inspirational speech to the Second Virginia Convention on March 23, 1775, at St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia.

The shirt: Your choice of fabrics and colors:

This design is also available on a long-sleeved shirt,, women's v-neck shirt, crewneck sweatshirt, sticker, and magnet.

Historical Background Behind the Design

In 1775 unrest bubbled through the American Colonies. Britain had severely restricted Massachusetts through the Intolerable Acts; towns were voting to boycott British goods, and British soldiers were becoming a common sight in the American Colonies.

The American Colonies were attempting to negotiate with British in 1775, and many of Henry’s fellow delegates wanted to wait until these negotiations were completed before taking action. But Henry felt that delay would be a major mistake. On March 23, 1775, he asked the Virginia Convention to take a defensive stance immediately against Great Britain by raising an armed company in every Virginia county. His speech reflected language and actions far more radical that his fellow delegates were willing to go in public, but Henry based his request upon the assumption that even more aggressive military actions by the British would soon follow.

Twenty-seven days after this speech was delivered, the Battles of Lexington and Concord proved Henry correct.

Learn more about the history behind this design here.