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. Finkelman talks about Boston - gets support w/out revealing much, Boston - give money, strike a blow against slavery, Jail - Christ - like martyr, Jail - no rescue, if hanged then martyr, Jail - martyr, ready to die, Jail - fulfilled purpose, last step in his evolution, Jail - instant myth, he makes the most of it, Jail - kissed child of jailer's slave woman, Jail - understands value of the media, Jail - media, goes back to old way, using words (long), Jail - media, goes back to old way, using words (short, Insanity - Virginia's mistake (alt), Insanity - Virginia's mistake (better), Jail - Virginians give access to media, own PR firm, Insanity - insane to give life for higher good?, Insanity - bad tactician, planner, etc. but not crazy, Icon - for North, only violence can end slavery, Icon - like Lincoln, makes Civil War about slavery, Icon - makes himself victim of slavery (There is no transcript for barcode173904_Finkelman_04)

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WGBH

Record Harvested From

Digital Commonwealth