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. Frye talks about Raid - sensational event, whole nation fixated upon it, Press - John Brown wounded, debilitated, but focused in interview, Press - newspapers medium, nation consumed w/ John Brown, Press - Virginia gave access to look civilized, Wise - enemy spoke positively about John Brown, Trial - verdict, sentencing, Trial/Press - opportunity, words in newspapers w/in hours, Southern perspective - John Brown guilty, deserves noose, Trial - verdict was John Brown's greatest moment , Trial - John Brown says he would've been a hero if fighting for rich, Trial - John Brown says he came to save God's poor, message resonated, South - John Brown frightened South, white Northerner, South - terrorized, people wanted guns, militia units formed, Ruffin - find solidarity in Southern fear, John Brown pikes on display, Icon - made compromise, reason, discussion impossible, Press - tributes to John Brown, South in disbelief, think of secession, Secession - South felt violated, determined to defend itself, Icon - John Brown made North believe something must change

Record Contributed By

WGBH

Record Harvested From

Digital Commonwealth