John Brown's Raid

Out of all the short-term causes of the American Civil War, be they pieces of legislation such as the Kansas-Nebraska Act, events such as the Dred Scott Decision, or conflicts such as Nat Turner’s rebellion, the most disputed-upon was, and still is, John Brown’s Raid of 1859. It took place on October 16th, when abolitionist John Brown led an unsuccessful raid on a federal armory in Harper’s Ferry, Virginia in order to start a liberation movement among the slaves there. The raiders, approximately 15 white men and 5 black, were captured, and John Brown was executed on December 2nd of that same year, effectively becoming a martyr for the abolitionist cause. His actions both inspired pro-slavery fighters and outraged anti-slavery factions, sparking

He lived his life with a rare and noble conviction that all races are equal, and that “...slavery throughout its entire existence in the United States is none other than a most barbarous, unprovoked, and unjustifiable war of one portion of its citizens upon another portion.” Furthermore, his thinking often exhibited religious principles; this is evident in his address to the Virginia Court, in which he quoted the New Testament twice and stated he was only acting “in behalf of [God’s] despised poor.” He strove to serve a God that would want all men treated with equity and kindness, and this aim is reflected in all of his actions. Many denounce Brown as a terrorist because they believe his intent was to terrorize and kill white, pro-slavery Southerners; however, he made it clear that this was not the case by saying, “I never did intend murder, or treason, or the destruction of property, or to excite or incite Slaves to rebellion, or to make insurrection.” According to Brown, his reason for raiding Harper’s ferry was to free slaves, much the same way he had freed 11 slaves from Missouri the year before (taking them to Canada after a 82-day, 1000-mile journey) without “the snapping of a gun on either side”. This desire for quiet liberation was quite heroic; and from his writing, it is clear to see that although Brown accepts

Brown’s actions were similar to the Civil War itself, in that both of the events were violent and horrific in terms of human loss, while at the same time being fought for honourable reasons and resulting in good outcomes. This man truly did do “more in dying, than 100 men would in living.” This debate over John Brown has lasted over 150 years, simply because he is so difficult to put in a box - if we label him as a hero, we must accept that the use of violence can sometimes be justified, and that heroes can use terrorist tactics; and yet on the other hand, if we call him a terrorist, we devalue the importance of fighting for what is right. Situations such as these, that call into question society’s opinions of what is right or wrong, are so very important to consider as we evaluate the past, make decisions in the present, and construct the future, and help us become confident and active citizens in a world that sees so many heroes, terrorists, and, well, people that fall someplace in the