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Secession. Chapter 18.4. The Raid on Harper’s Ferry. John Brown Planned a raid on a federal arsenal in Harper’s Ferry, Virginia Hoped to capture weapons and distribute them to slaves. The Raid on Harper’s Ferry. John Brown’s Raid Included about 20 men, including Brown and three of his sons
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Secession Chapter 18.4
The Raid on Harper’s Ferry • John Brown • Planned a raid on a federal arsenal in Harper’s Ferry, Virginia • Hoped to capture weapons and distribute them to slaves
The Raid on Harper’s Ferry • John Brown’s Raid • Included about 20 men, including Brown and three of his sons • Began on the night of October 16, 1859 • Raiders captured the arsenal and then went to gather slaves in the area
The Raid on Harper’s Ferry • The Raid’s Conclusion • Brown hoped that slaves would join the raid but none did. • White Southerners attacked and killed some of the raiders. • Federal troops captured Brown and the remaining raiders.
Judging John Brown • Brown was convicted of treason, murder, and conspiracy to start a slave rebellion. • He was hanged in December 1859.
Judging John Brown • Reactions • Many northerners regarded John Brown as a hero and mourned his death. • Some northerners, such as Lincoln, agreed with Brown’s opposition to slavery but did not approve of his use of violence or jis treasonous acts. • Most white southerners felt threatened and feared similar attacks might occur.
The Election of 1860 • The Democrats • Democratic Party split, with Northern Democrats nominating Stephen Douglas. • Southern Democrats nominated John C. Breckinridge.
The Election of 1860 • A new party, the Constitutional Union Party, was dedicated to preserving the US Constitution and the Union and was joined by some northerners and southerners; John Bell of Tennessee was the party’s candidate. • Republican Party nominated Abraham Lincoln.
The Election of 1860 • Outcome • Lincoln won only 40 percent of the popular vote but a majority of the electoral vote. • Angered many southerners because Lincoln had become president without winning a single southern state.
Breaking with the Union • The US Constitution did not address the issue of secession- the act of formally withdrawing from the Union. • Fearing Lincoln would end slavery, South Carolina seceded in December 1860.
Breaking with the Union • Senator John J. Crittenden of Kentucky proposed a series of constitutional amendments to satisfy the South and keep southern states from seceding. • Extend the Missouri Compromise line to the Pacific coast and guarantee slavery in areas south of this line forever • Use federal funds to pay slaveholders for runaway slaves not captured.
Breaking with the Union • Republicans rejected Crittenden’s proposals because they extended slavery.
The Confederate States of America • By February 1, 1861, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas had joined South Carolina in seceding from the Union. • Seceding states formed the Confederate States of America with Jefferson Davis as president.