American experience. John Brown's holy war. 1 of 4

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. Renehan talks about Childhood - underground RR, Owen - John Brown not successful but abolitionist like Owen, Owen - absentee father, John Brown tries to be better father, fails, Personality - needed authority, e.g. tannery, but failed, Personality - always took lead, Kansas free soil militia, - Personality - stubbornness, lead by God, Douglas, Douglass/John Brown - yin/yang, Douglass liked finer things, Douglass - thought John Brown's plan would fail, alienate people, Martyr - Douglass etc. picked up John Brown's mantle after death, Garrison/John Brown - religion, pacifism vs. retribution, Kansas, Religion/Kansas - John Brown's God inspired violence, Kansas, Religion - no fear of death, helped John Brown to martyrdom.

Runtime

27 minutes

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Alexander Street

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