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John Brown

John Brown. A Historiography. Bleeding Kansas. “…the fact was, he had literally gotten away w ith murder…” (David Reynolds). - Brown outraged by pro-slavery violence in Kansas, moves family there in 1856, stopping en-route to purchase two broad swords from trader

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John Brown

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  1. John Brown A Historiography

  2. Bleeding Kansas “…the fact was, he had literally gotten away with murder…” (David Reynolds) • -Brown outraged by pro-slavery violence in Kansas, moves family there in 1856, stopping en-route • to purchase two broad swords from trader • After repeated attacks upon antislavery slavery settlements from Pro-Slavery forces Brown looks to react • Moves out with posse and massacres 5 Pro-Slavery men

  3. Harpers Ferry “…Brown as a Petty criminal devoid of deep antislavery comittment.” (James C. Malin) • On October 16th 1859 Brown carries out • radical plan to incite revolution in south • -Arming freed slaves with pikes and rifles • Brown and company seize Federal Armory in • Harpers Ferry Virginia • -Raid is crushed by Southern forces and Brown is taken into custody, tried, and executed

  4. Significance of John Brown “The South linked Emancipation with social chaos… and John Brown.” (David Reynolds) -John Brown’s approach to equality was so void of racism, sets him apart from other abolitionists of the period -Lived his life according to morals and values in relation to egalitarianism and freedom -Forced Southerners to seriously consider the fortitude of Northerners in their convictions against slavery

  5. John Brown…insane? • One analysis of Brown • and his actions has concluded the man, insane. • ““John Brown's seizure of the Federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry was the extraordinary act of a fanatic, if not of a psychopathic crank…” -Ralph VolneyHarlow-1932 • James C Malin writing in the 1940’s argues that Brown was “…motivated by a desire to steal and kill, not by anti slavery feelings.” • More recently though in 2007 David Reynolds describes a sane, logical antislavery activist

  6. Perception Amongst African Americans “John Brown worked Not simply for The Black-Men He worked with them. (W.E.B. Dubois) • Brown had a significant impact upon African Americans • David Reynolds claims “ No white person in history has arouse such warm admiration…” • In the early historical record in 1909 W.E.B Dubois wrote that Brown’s actions were deliberatley for the African American family and its survival • Many prominent intellectuals cite Brown as inspiration

  7. A Radical Abolitionist • In the 2000’s a debate • about the originality of Brown’s violence appears. • -FrannyNudelman( 2001) argues • abolitionism was moving toward a more violent trend with the approach of the war • This is reflected in James Mcphearson’s work which notices an increase in slavery as a justification for the Civil War • In 2007 Reynolds argues to the contrary, that Brown’s motivation and follow through set him apart from other anti-slavery advocates

  8. Conclusion • While many sources, particularly writing from 1900’s-1940’s argue insanity, Brown was sane • Brown logically responded to Governments inaction in relation to slavery • Had and still has a profound effect on • African Americans due to views and actions void of racism • -Set apart from abolitionists at the time due to his use of violent actions and words • - Radical because of his preparedness to die for his beliefs

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