Description

Martyr, madman, murderer, hero: John Brown remains one of history's most controversial and misunderstood figures. In the 1850s, he and his ragtag guerrilla group embarked on a righteous crusade against slavery that was based on religious faith -- yet carried out with shocking violence. His execution at Harpers Ferry sparked a chain of events that led to the Civil War. Olds talks about Loss - resigned to despair, despair became his liberation, North Elba/Kansas - letter from sons, chance to make good, Pottawatomie - terror, shock, purposeful, Pottawatomie - lying about it in Boston, Pottawatomie - make Kansas platform for wider war, Martyr/Plan - no death wish, big plan, bad tactics, Paymaster's Office - seizes moment, courage, brave words

Record Contributed By

WGBH

Record Harvested From

Digital Commonwealth