John Brown and the Raid at Harpers Ferry: A Martyr's Courage

1. APUSH - Spiconardi

2. Raid at Harpers Ferry • In 1859, John Brown believed the time had come to use arms to emancipate slaves • Brown, a religious man, always believed God had destined him to free America’s enslaved population • With 16 followers, including his sons, Brown wanted to raid the federal armory in Harpers Ferry, VA • Brown wanted to arm slaves, so they could participate in the revolt • He expected hundreds of slaves to join him • Sources claim somewhere between 5 and 9 slaves showed up

3. Raid at Harpers Ferry • The raid was a failure • Brown and most of his followers were either killed (his sons) or captured within 36 hours • Brown was arrested by Col. Robert E. Lee

4. John Brown’s Trial I , John Brown, am quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood. • Brown was tried for treason against the commonwealth of Virginia • Brown was sentenced to death via hanging • Interesting Fact: John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln’s assassin attended Brown’s execution • Brown’s courageous and dignified conduct throughout the trial made him a martyr to northerners

5. Reactions • The South • “A natural, logical, inevitable result of the doctrines and teachings of the Republican Party.” • The North You who pretend to care for Christ crucified, consider what you are about to do to him who offered himself to be the savior of four millions of men. He will make the gallows holy as the cross.

6. Misguided Fanatic? • Lincoln referred to Brown as a “misguided fanatic. • After analyzing two documents and listening to a reenactment of John Brown’s final speech, determine whether or not Lincoln was correct in his assertion of Brown.