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. Banks talks about Violence - American tradition of principled violence, Pott., Pottawatomie - not born terrorists, must up the ante, - Pottawatomie - context of progression, defining moments, -Pottawatomie - turning point, Pottawatomie - not strategic, response to frustration & despair, - Kansas - people interested in land & $, not slaves & descendants, Business - wanted so he could devote time to doing Lord's work, -Business/Failure - had to live divided life, painful conflict, Failure - dependence on others humiliating, Business/Father - conflict b/t God's work, responsibility, Failure - life going down tubes, unfair, Failure - small debts enormous to him, Personality - obsessive, pursued goals relentlessly, Travel/Old Man - slow arduous travel, esp. for an old man, Europe - John Brown description, must've looked peculiar, Waterloo - single - mindedness of purpose there, Europe - reported on livestock (pigs) not culture, architecture, Underground RR - John Brown involved as adolescent in Ohio thru father, Underground RR - John Brown thrilled to act, do Lord's work, Underground RR - John Brown saw economic dimension, Plan/Douglass - would have been more successful w/ Douglass, Raid/Martyr - why did John Brown stay? deliberate act of martyrdom, Martyring Sons - morally difficult/ambiguous aspect of John Brown.