Have you ever had someone say something that stuck to you forever and inspired you? Well, for the colonists, this speaker was Samuel Adams. Samuel made speeches strong "enough to fire any heart with a desire to become a patriot." according to Student Resource Center- Gold. ("Adams, Samuel (1722-1803)." Student Resource Center- Gold. Gale, 2003. Web. 24 Feb. 2010.) Samuel's speeches were used to inspire colonists and persuade them to believe that there should be a split between America and Britain.
Even Adams' greatest enemy, Thomas Hutchinson, enjoyed and commented on his speech. Here is an example of the breath-taking things that Samuel Adams would say to the colonists;
"You have now in the field armies sufficient to repel the whole force of your enemies and their base and mercenary auxiliaries. The hearts of your soldiers beat high with the spirit of freedom; they are animated with the justice of their cause, and while they grasp their swords can look up to Heaven for assistance. Your adversaries are composed of wretches who laugh at the rights of humanity, who turn religion into derision, and would, for higher wages, direct their swords against their leaders or their country. Go on, then, in your generous enterprise with gratitude to Heaven for past success, and confidence of it in the future. For my own part I ask no greater blessing than to share with you the common danger and common glory. If I have a wish dearer to my soul than that my ashes may be mingled with those of a Warren and Montgomery, it is that these American States may never cease to be free and independent."("Speech on American Independence." Student Resource Center- Gold. Gale, 1999. Web. 1 Mar. 2010.)
After reading this I was amazed by the wording of his speeches and how he can grasp your attention. As a matter of fact, I felt that Samuel was being over dramatic and exaggerating the actions that were put on the Colonies from Britain, but after reading this segment of his speech, I feel like I am a patriot going through the same things that Samuel went through. It's almost as if he can lure you into believing everything he believes, and forms your opinion for you!
To sum it up, Adams' speeches were very influential, and many great speakers use the skills that Adams once used to persuade his audience.
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