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Course: AP??/College US History?>?Unit 3
Lesson 4: The American RevolutionThe American Revolution
Problem
“They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger. . . The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. . . . The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.”
-Patrick Henry, “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death,” 1775
A historian would most likely use this passage to illustrate which of the following?