Episode 407: John A. Ragosta, Patrick Henry: From the American Revolution to Saving the Union

Patrick Henry is one of the most famous voices of the American Revolution. He was known in his own time for his powerful speeches and his unwavering commitment to liberty.

But did you know that later in life, Patrick Henry opposed the United States Constitution?

Did you know that during the political crisis of 1798/99, George Washington wrote to Patrick Henry and asked him to save the nation?

In honor of the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry’s most famous speech, “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death,” award-winning historian John Ragosta joins us to investigate the life and work of Patrick Henry.

About the Show

Ben Franklin’s World is a podcast about early American history.

It is a show for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world.

Episode Summary

John Ragosta is an award-winning historian and the former acting director of the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies and Monticello. He has taught history and law at the University of Virginia, George Washington University, and other colleges, and he’s also the author of several books, including For the People, For the Country: Patrick Henry’s Final Political Battle.

During our investigation of Patrick Henry’s life and work, John reveals information about Patrick Henry’s early life and how he became involved with politics. What drove Patrick Henry to become a revolutionary and support the revolutionary cause. And, why George Washington believed that Patrick Henry was the one man who could save the United States during the political crisis of 1798/99.

What You’ll Discover

George Washington’s January 1799 letter to Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry’s Early Life
How Henry became a lawyer
How and when Patrick Henry became involved with the American Revolution
Henry’s fight against the Stamp Act of 1765
How the parsons’ cause elevated Henry to public attention
Henry’s education and understanding of governance
Patrick Henry’s contributions in the Virginia House of Burgesses
Henry in the First and Second Virginia Conventions
Henry’s “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death” speech
How historians know about Henry’s speeches
Henry’s service in the Continental Congresses
Patrick Henry’s popularity in Revolutionary Virginia
Henry’s views on the U.S. Constitution
Henry’s views and ideas about history
The ratification of the U.S. Constitution in Virginia
Patrick Henry’s ideas about a “constitutional way”
The Crisis of 1798/1799
The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions
Source of Patrick Henry’s political power and popularity
Patrick Henry’s legacy

Links to People, Places, and Publications

Time Warp Question

In your opinion, what might have happened if Patrick Henry had not had the family health or financial constraints that kept him in Virginia? If Patrick Henry had been able to serve in national office, how do you think the development of the United States’ early politics would have been different?