Answer:
Patrick Henry delivered this statement on March 23, 1775, in reaction to Royal Navy intervention brought in by the King's designated Governor, Lord Dunmore.
Mr. Henry was urging that the Virginia colony establish a militia to preserve its right to self-determination. Others thought they should wait and see how the British responded to their requests. Patrick Henry claims in the book that the British have already proved their refusal to collaborate with them. This speech is often regarded as having had a lasting impact on the events leading up to the declaration of war.
The text gives background information to assist students comprehend the interactions.