John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry
In October 1859, John Brown’s attack on Harpers Ferry affected American culture in a way no other event in the Antebellum period did. The raid divided the country into two sections: the North and South; it was among a numerous significant events happened in the United States. John Brown was a white abolitionist. He was executed on December 2nd, 1859 without fair trial and sentenced to hang. Brown became a legend during the period. He was a God fearing, but violent man and slaveholders saw him as a fanatic, a murderer, and lunatic. To abolitionist like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, he is a courageous, noble, and a hero. Brown is an abolitionist with the goal and purpose for fighting for what …show more content…
Since he was young, Brown left a strong importance of religion and his teaching in the Bible. He believes people should be held accountable for their wrongdoings. He states that the Bible’s Golden Rule forced him to do what he did: “I believe that to have interfered as I have done—in behalf of His despised poor, was not wrong, but right.” (Earle, p.85) The God or the Bible did not tell him to raid the Harpers Ferry; it was his intention to do it because he thought that is what he needs to do. It is insane that he believes that it is right depending on the Bible. “An eye for an eye. …show more content…
Brown planned to free slaves in Virginia with massive raid. During Brown proposing the plan of the raid with the group, he removed a person when he or she asked him a question. He refused to believe anyone who considered his plan was not a wise idea. In another word, he represents an arrogant person. He also received many objections from Frederick Douglass to the plan, but Brown declined to listen to it. Furthermore, his army consisted of eighteen free blacks and extreme white abolitionists. With eighteen people Brown is not capable of fighting against General Robert E. Lee army. Additionally, Brown did not well to prepare for his battle. He was not equipped with food and he didn’t plan ahead for the escaping route, which he was trapped between two bridges by his enemies. Brown was also mistaken when he assuming slaves would join the riot and fight for their freedom, but there was no one came. (Earle, p.73) Eventually no slaves joined the riot, and Brown and his men were on their own. Brown made a poor decision in preparation and during his attack on Harpers Ferry. However, the raid accomplished to show the North that it is a momentous event that people should consider abolishing
In October 1859, John Brown’s attack on Harpers Ferry affected American culture in a way no other event in the Antebellum period did. The raid divided the country into two sections: the North and South; it was among a numerous significant events happened in the United States. John Brown was a white abolitionist. He was executed on December 2nd, 1859 without fair trial and sentenced to hang. Brown became a legend during the period. He was a God fearing, but violent man and slaveholders saw him as a fanatic, a murderer, and lunatic. To abolitionist like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, he is a courageous, noble, and a hero. Brown is an abolitionist with the goal and purpose for fighting for what …show more content…
Since he was young, Brown left a strong importance of religion and his teaching in the Bible. He believes people should be held accountable for their wrongdoings. He states that the Bible’s Golden Rule forced him to do what he did: “I believe that to have interfered as I have done—in behalf of His despised poor, was not wrong, but right.” (Earle, p.85) The God or the Bible did not tell him to raid the Harpers Ferry; it was his intention to do it because he thought that is what he needs to do. It is insane that he believes that it is right depending on the Bible. “An eye for an eye. …show more content…
Brown planned to free slaves in Virginia with massive raid. During Brown proposing the plan of the raid with the group, he removed a person when he or she asked him a question. He refused to believe anyone who considered his plan was not a wise idea. In another word, he represents an arrogant person. He also received many objections from Frederick Douglass to the plan, but Brown declined to listen to it. Furthermore, his army consisted of eighteen free blacks and extreme white abolitionists. With eighteen people Brown is not capable of fighting against General Robert E. Lee army. Additionally, Brown did not well to prepare for his battle. He was not equipped with food and he didn’t plan ahead for the escaping route, which he was trapped between two bridges by his enemies. Brown was also mistaken when he assuming slaves would join the riot and fight for their freedom, but there was no one came. (Earle, p.73) Eventually no slaves joined the riot, and Brown and his men were on their own. Brown made a poor decision in preparation and during his attack on Harpers Ferry. However, the raid accomplished to show the North that it is a momentous event that people should consider abolishing