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American Experience; Interview with historian James Horton, 5 of 5

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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. Horton talks about Sanity - people today assume John Brown black, else traitor to his race, Sanity - if black not insane, John Brown traitor/John Brown freedom fighter, Icon - whites see John Brown as insane, blacks see him as hero, Icon - martyr, forced US to face its contradiction, failure, Hanging - John Brown at peace, did what he could, Icon - John Brown brought moral force to bear, Raid - ensured war would be about abolishing slavery, Boston - 1850s, slave power conspiracy dangerous to whites too
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