American experience. John Brown's holy war. 3 of 5

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 - compare Brown to Cromwell, New England - Brown tough, people love him, Plan - open warfare more dramatic, needed, H. Ferry - delay, suicidal attack necessary, H. Ferry - suicidal attack necessary (short), Revolution - political process against freedom, South - no democracy, can't vote about slavery, Illegal activity - only way to attack slavery, Pottawatomie - makes sense, no democracy, Kansas - no peaceful method to end slavery, Martyr - tragedy is other men who died, From Nobody to a Hero (long), From Nobody to a Hero (short).

Runtime

29 minutes

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Subjects

Contributor

Geography

Genre

Database

Alexander Street

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