Person of the Year: John Brown, Abolitionist
“I have only a short time to live, only one death to die, and I will die fighting for this cause. There will be no peace in this land until slavery is done for.” (1) John Brown, Kansas Territory, 1856.
The drive, passion, empathy and controversy regarding abolishing slavery in the South is the reason why John Brown has been chosen as “Person of the Year”. John Brown, an abolitionist, is viewed as a hero by some and as a villain by others depending on which side of slavery one is on. Some people also believe he is the reason that the Civil War started, making him one of the most unforgettable and important figures in history.
John Brown was born in Connecticut on May 9, 1800. He died on December …show more content…
His friend, African American orator Frederick Douglass, said that John was ”built for times of trouble and fitted to grapple with the flintiest hardships” (4). John’s determination led to the “Raid on Harpers Ferry Arsenal” on October 16, 1859 in Virginia. John Brown accomplished the raid with twenty one men, some who were black and also included his sons. At first, the raid was successful but he didn’t get enough slaves to join the fight because they thought it was a “suicide mission” so Brown and his group were captured two days later on October 18th. He was tried for treason. John Brown was found guilty and was hanged on December 2, 1859 in Charles Town, West Virginia.
These acts of courage and determination really made a big impact on the United States and led the North and South to divide further. The South withdrew and become separate and the Civil War then began “John Brown killed slavery, sparked civil war and seeded civil rights”.
John Brown was hailed a hero by some and a villain by others. His thinking was radical and necessary in times of change. The compassion for all human beings was evident and John Brown put aside his safety and wellbeing to do something he believed in. He was not the type of person to sit in the sidelines and let people be treated unfairly. He made many sacrifices but took pleasure in standing by his religion and code of ethics.
“I have only a short time to live, only one death to die, and I will die fighting for this cause. There will be no peace in this land until slavery is done for.” (1) John Brown, Kansas Territory, 1856.
The drive, passion, empathy and controversy regarding abolishing slavery in the South is the reason why John Brown has been chosen as “Person of the Year”. John Brown, an abolitionist, is viewed as a hero by some and as a villain by others depending on which side of slavery one is on. Some people also believe he is the reason that the Civil War started, making him one of the most unforgettable and important figures in history.
John Brown was born in Connecticut on May 9, 1800. He died on December …show more content…
His friend, African American orator Frederick Douglass, said that John was ”built for times of trouble and fitted to grapple with the flintiest hardships” (4). John’s determination led to the “Raid on Harpers Ferry Arsenal” on October 16, 1859 in Virginia. John Brown accomplished the raid with twenty one men, some who were black and also included his sons. At first, the raid was successful but he didn’t get enough slaves to join the fight because they thought it was a “suicide mission” so Brown and his group were captured two days later on October 18th. He was tried for treason. John Brown was found guilty and was hanged on December 2, 1859 in Charles Town, West Virginia.
These acts of courage and determination really made a big impact on the United States and led the North and South to divide further. The South withdrew and become separate and the Civil War then began “John Brown killed slavery, sparked civil war and seeded civil rights”.
John Brown was hailed a hero by some and a villain by others. His thinking was radical and necessary in times of change. The compassion for all human beings was evident and John Brown put aside his safety and wellbeing to do something he believed in. He was not the type of person to sit in the sidelines and let people be treated unfairly. He made many sacrifices but took pleasure in standing by his religion and code of ethics.