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John Brown
By John Schuster

John Brown's Life
John Brown, was born into a highly religious, Christian family living in Connecticut. He was later raised in Ohio. He was raised against the idea of slavery, as it went completely against his ideals and morals. In contrast, many Southerners found loopholes to religion trying to point to slavery as a just and acceptable action. John Brown's father, whose opinions differed greatly from this way of thinking, was a wandering New Englander. John Brown himself, had married Dianthe Lusk by 1820, and the following year, after her death, he wed Mary-Anne Day. As Brown's life continued, he became a struggling businessman, as his personality was more of a creative thinker than an entrepreneur. As 1837 arrived, John Brown went to an abolitionist meeting in Cleveland. It was after this meeting that John Brown decided he would dedicate his life to the destruction of slavery. From there he helped as a "conductor" in the Underground Railroad. This meant that he would help to house and direct the refugees. He also became the "the organizer of a self-protection league for free blacks and fugitive slaves." At age 50, Brown took more action as an abolitionist, to the extent where he was often considered a radical. For example, events like Bleeding Kansas and Harper's Ferry provided Brown with the radical reputation. He came to see himself as a worker of G-d's to end slavery. In 1855, he left for Kansas with three of his many sons. As his journey in Kansas continued, and John Brown began to truly fight for what he believed, he became known as one of the greatest heroes in our country's history, withstanding the fact that many Southerners strongly hated him at the time. He has been credited by many for helping to instigate the Civil War, and cause an uprising to prove the moral point that Slavery is wrong. No matter how radical his thinking, he made the point he sought to make, making him an essential piece in our nation's history.

John Brown's History in Battle (Prior to Harper's Ferry)
 John Brown participated and instigated many of the battles of Bleeding Kansas (1854-1860). Bleeding Kansas is the name for a series of battles fought between free soil supporters and slavery supporters which took place in Kansas and Nebraska. The slavery supporters were given the name "Bushwackers", while the free soil supporters were called "Jayhawkers" in the South. The conflict was a result of territory dispute, over whether the land should be free or slave. Bleeding Kansas was given its name for being filled with so many bloody Battles. After the Sack of Lawrence in 1856, led by Sheriff Jones, John Brown became angered and ready to seek revenge. In retaliation, Brown led a group of men a few nights later into Pottawatomie Creek, and killed five pro-slavery southerners. This "massacre' led to growing conflict between the "Bushwhackers" and "Jayhawkers". Later in that year, Brown's group of men were forced to withdraw by the military power behind David Atchison. However, the withdrawl took place after the killing of many Southerners in the Osawatomie Massacre. It may appear that Brown was successful in Bleeding Kansas, but the Dred Scott decision and the continuing reign of slavery over the South, remained an aggravation to Brown. In this case, Dred Scott, a black man born into slavery, was moved in a transaction between Mr. Blow, his original owner, to Mr. Emerson. Under Emerson, he lived in a free state, but was sent back to the South to work. On his return, Scott had been aware, that on free soil he should be a free man. Scott lost the case but was permitted to appeal to the Court of Appeals. While this was taking place, he was sold to Mr. Sanford. In this case, Dred Scott was decided to remain a slave, as he had no right to call for a trial in the first place. In retaliation to the Dred Scott case, Brown decided to attack once again for his moral beliefs in his most famous raid.

Harper's Ferry
 In 1859, John Brown led a group of twenty-two men in a raid on Harpers Ferry, partially in retaliation to the Dred Scott decision. Three of these men were his sons, Oliver, Owen, and Watson. The object of the raid was to seize the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry. Brown's ultimate goal, however, was to subdue slaveholders and spark rebellion. Brown and his men were hoping that this raid would help to launch a further series of raids. The violent attack was a stand against slavery, which the participants thought to be morally wrong and deserved a necessary destruction. These radicals, including Brown, thought the only way to truly make the point that slavery was wrong, would be through this violent attack. At the start of the battle, an African American was killed. Later, two of Brown's son, Watson and Oliver had been killed in the raid. The raid was essentially considered unsuccessful because of a failure to sever communication with the area being attacked. Brown and his men had hoped to cut the telegraph wires in order to end communication with DC. Hence, preventing the government from being able to immediately call in reinforcements to oppose Brown. The wires were cut, however, some of his men let a detained train go, which got the word out. Citizens on the train spoke up, allowing for reinforcements to come in and shut down Brown. Robert E. Lee finally captured John Brown and ended his revolt. It is also important to note that the slaves did not revolt because Brown had not devised such a plan. It was expected for the slaves to join and launch more attacks. The fact that slaves had not joined the revolt has been considered a fault on his part, because it made the raid even less successful. Nevertheless, had the slaves been involved, it was a sure defeat either way, and the only outcome would have been dead slaves. Ultimately, the raid itself was unsuccessful, but Brown did get his point across. Brown made it obvious in a very strong fashion that slavery was immoral, and that he would do whatever it would take to end slavery. This powerful raid has been credited by many for starting the inevitable Civil War, and showing our country that slavery was wrong. As a result of this raid, John Brown will forever be one of our nations greatest heroes. Despite his radical, and violent attempts, Brown was the first, and most significant figure in the beginning of an era against the immorality of slavery. Not long after the battle, John Brown was tried for treason in Charleston, VA. He was hung after the decision in the Case of Virginia vs. John Brown. Although Brown was executed in 1859, his legacy lived on.

His effect on the Civil War
 John Brown is often credited with instigating the Civil War through his vicious raids. Many believe that it was his radical, yet moral actions which had the power to finally arouse the long built conflict between the North and the South. John Brown's actions were remembered and relevant throughout the Civil War. John Brown became a symbol for abolitionists, and his famous acts angered the South even more so. He was considered a saint and hero to those who fought for the same cause, but to Southerners he was a radical who was far too extreme. Brown arguably gave many abolitionists the courage to fight for the cause of ending slavery. He was one of the first white abolitionists to become well-known, allowing other whites to publicly help blacks without being alone. Harper's Ferry, and events like it contributed to Lincoln's decision in emancipating the slaves. The power and rage of these influential abolitionists, along with Frederick Douglass, became very compelling. In addition, the powerful raid created even more passion in the war between the North and South. The violent and passionate events caused so much tension that battles like Shiloh were truly won and lost over Brown's, and other abolitionists', inspired determination. Brown's actions remained so relevant during the war that in fact, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" was a lyric that recognized John Brown. This lyric was created in 1860, and many Union soldiers sang this song throughout the war.

John Brown's more recent legacy
John Steuart Curry created a mural depicting Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry. In addition, Brown's acts are remembered and taught in schools across the country. More importantly, however, his violent acts arguably helped in teaching our nation that violence is not the key. Two groups during the Civil Rights Movement that opposed the use of violence to achieve their goal were Congress on Racial Equality and The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. These two groups were essential players in successful, nonviolent acts which included the Sit-ins, Freedom Rides, The 1963 March on Washington and Freedom Summer. == The Abolitionist Movement (John Brown was an essential member) ==  John Brown was an essential player in what was known as the abolitionist movement. In the United States, the movement was about ending slavery, and for some, it was even about providing blacks with opportunity. Many abolitionists would do their part by being conductors in the Underground Railroads, or by simply not returning slaves to the south while under the Fugitive Slave Act. Harriet Tubman was a well known abolitionist as she helped slaves flee to the North via the Underground Railroad. Frederick Douglass also became a leading, educated abolitionist and soon was the most famous African American in the country. William Lloyd Garrison, a radical abolitionist like Brown, favored immediate emancipation, and founded the Anti-Slavery Society in 1832. He associated with David Walker and Frederick Douglass in his fight against slavery. The movement itself became especially heated when there were disputes over new territory being free or slave. It was then that Brown decided to involve himself heavily in the movement with his raids and massacres. The American Colonization Society was another important group in the Abolitionist Movement. They founded Liberia in 1822, as a colony for ex-slaves to go to for a free life. The idea of this colony was popular for three reasons: Liberia was on the coast, so there was easy access, the slaves would have become accustomed to a new culture, (hence, it would be important for them to be able to remain together) and abolitionists simply wanted a colony where African Americans could go to for freedom. Many other important societies in the Movement were students. For example: the Auxiliary Anti-Slavery Society was a society created by students at Amherst College in 1834. The Movement itself was thought to be successful when Lincoln emancipated the slaves in 1863, as he was constantly pressured by Douglass, Garrison, and other powerful abolitionists alike. As stated earlier, it is probable that Brown played an important role in this decision with his powerful acts.

People Who Worked With John Brown
 John Brown, who was an important member of the Abolitionist Movement, was acquainted and worked with many people who made the movement possible as well. Harriet Tubman, helped Brown recruit men for the raid at Harper's Ferry, and she was expected to join the raid but was unable. In addition, Frederick Douglass was an important acquaintance of Brown's who helped him create a colony for free blacks to seek refuge. They both worked together as important members of the movement. In contrast to Tubman, however, Douglass tried to convince Brown that his mission at Harper's Ferry was suicidal. John Brown, under the power of G-d, did not listen and went on to raid Harper's Ferry. Brown's most famous partners in the movement were the Secret Six. The Secret Committee of Six were six influential men who helped to secretly fund for Brown. The members were Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Samuel Howe, Theodore Parker, Franklin Benjamin Sanbron, Gerrit Smith, and George Luther Stearns. Although the members of the Secret Six did not necessarily support the use of violence, their main goal was to bring slavery to an end. During and after Brown's trial the Secret Six were found out and some members fled to Canada. One denied his connection completely, and another tried to get Brown out of jail. Gerrit Smith, in 1867, helped to put up the money to free Jefferson Davis, the former confederate president, from being imprisoned without being charged of a crime. Ultimately, as Brown was an essential member of the Abolitionist Movement, he quickly gained support from many, allowing him to become acquainted with many other powerful abolitionists.

media type="youtube" key="bB_kbFAui-U" height="383" width="479" align="center" media type="youtube" key="e1OFdpUsO8w" height="385" width="480" align="center" media type="youtube" key="adytsAtaeaU" height="385" width="480" align="center"

This is an interesting video created by a young man, and including his fascinating interpretations. It is helpful, especially in the case of a situation of John Brown, to get a young perspective.

> ItemID=WE52&iPin=EWAR0825&SingleRecord=True (accessed April 28, 2010).
 * Altman, Susan. "Civil Rights Movement". Encyclopedia of African-American Heritage. 27 April. 2010. .
 * Bertolet, Jennifer. "John Brown". ABC-CLIO. 27 April. 2010. .
 * Burg, David. ""Abolitionist Movement"". Encyclopedia of Student and Youth Movements. 27 April. 2010. .
 * "Dred Scott." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 28 Apr. 2010. .
 * Faust, Patricia. "John Brown". CivilWarHome.com. 27 April. 2010. .
 * Finkelman, Paul etc.. "John Brown, folklore of". Facts on File. 27 April. 2010. .
 * Mintz, S. "John Brown and The Secret Six". Digital History. 27 April. 2010. 
 * Phillips, Charles, and Alan Axelrod. "Bleeding Kansas." Encyclopedia of Wars. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2005. American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. 27 April. 2010. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?
 * Unknown. "abolition movement." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 27 April. 2010. 
 * Unknown. "American History." ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 27 April. 2010. <http://www.americanhistory.abc-clio.com>.
 * Unknown, "John Brown and Harper's Ferry Raid". West Virginia Archives & History. 27 April. 2010. <http://www.wvculture.org/History/jnobrown.html>.

Text Source:

 * Foner, Eric. Freedom's Unfinished Revolution. New York: The New Press, 1977.

Human Source:

 * McLean, Justin. Personal Interview. 27 April. 2010.

Sources for Images:
In Order of Appearance 1) Creative Commons- Google Images, Search Query: Jesus Cross 2) Creative Commons- Google Images, Search Query: The Tragic Prelude 3)-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Brown%27s_raid_on_Harpers_Ferry 4) Creative Commons- Google Images, Search Query: John Brown 5) Creative Commons- Google Images, Search Query: Harriet Tubman 6) Creative Commons- Google Images, Search Query: Gerrit Smith

Multimedia Sources:

 * John Brown and the Raid on Harpers Ferry (Fuzzy's Social Studies Project). Youtube, 2008. Web. 3 May 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adytsAtaeaU&feature=related.
 * John Brown Assessed 150 Years After Harpers Ferry. Youtube, 2008. Web. 3 May 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1OFdpUsO8w.
 * John Brown's Raid in American Memory. Youtube, 2008. Web. 3 May 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB_kbFAui-U.