Liberty or Death: An International Slogan

Patrick Henry's Mar. 23rd, 1775 speech is a right of passage for many Virginia students.  I have the vivid memory of learning the speech in the fourth grade.

"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

The words not only inspired Virginians to join the American War for Independence, the same language would be used worldwide as the independence movements spread. Here are just some examples:

Eleftheria i thanatos (Freedom or Death) became the motto of Greece during their war for Independence from the Ottomans in the 1820s. 

Independência ou Morte! (Independence or Death) - Official Brazilian independence from Portugal in 1825

Patria o muerte (Homeland or Death) - 1898 Cuban Independence from Spain (after Spanish American War)

Sloboda ili smrt (Liberty or Death) - Macedonian independence from Yugoslavia in 1991

Libertad o Muerte (Liberty or Death) - In 1828, Uruguay won its independence from Spain.

Pesto chips

Students are always fascinated when going abroad with American food that has been "tweaked" in foreign countries.  One of our favorite games is spot the most unique chip or crisp to many nations (chips are french fries).  Some of the front runners include pesto and bratwurst.   The lesson that we learn is that it is not just Americans stealing ideas and making them our own, but everyone around the world wants a part of pop culture but need to make it fit their own tastes.  Click here for a great blog/website article that lists chip flavors by country in honor of National Potato Chip day on Mar. 14th.