Final answer:
Patrick Henry's declaration 'Give me liberty, or give me death!' signified his staunch commitment to achieving independence from British rule, expressing a preference for death over living without freedom.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Patrick Henry declared, "Give me liberty, or give me death!", he was expressing his unwavering desire for freedom from British rule, emphasizing that he valued liberty so highly that he would rather die than live without it. This powerful statement was made during a time when independence was a contentious issue, and the American colonies were facing oppressive measures imposed by the British monarchy and Parliament. Henry's words echoed the sentiments of the time that sought to protect the rights to life, liberty, and property, which colonists believed were being violated by British policies. His declaration was a clear call to action, signaling a readiness to fight for independence and a rejection of any form of government that failed to safeguard these fundamental rights.