Slavery was an issue that was solved over a long period of time. Many abolitionists tried to protest and abolish slavery to prevent it from spreading. One of the most notable activists was John Brown. He was an anti-slavery activist that used violence to try to end slavery. He was known for his violent attacks in the Pottawatomie Massacre and Harper’s Ferry raid. Although using violence may not be the most effective way, during his time period, the only way Brown could bring awareness and action was to use violence. Rather than calling him a terrorist, John Brown was more of a political and a religious zealot that took violently planned actions to support his religious beliefs to counter the political issue of slavery. John Brown was …show more content…
He stated that the Bible, “...teaches me that all things whatsoever I would that men should do to me, I should do even so to them. It teaches me, further, to "remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them." I endeavored to act up to that instruction.” This quote from Brown clearly shows that Brown justified his actions by saying that the Bible taught him to do so. He explained that the Bible taught him to treat others the way they treat him, and that he only acted upon the Bible’s instruction. Brown justified his action by arguing that he used violence because others used violence as well. Brown stated something similar during his interview in Charlestown Prison. He said, “ I think I did right, and that others will do right who interfere with you at any time and at all times. I hold that the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as ye would that others should do unto you," applies to all who would help others to gain their liberty.” Here, Brown explicitly states that his actions were right by referring to the Bible. The “Golden Rule” he is discussing about refers to the Bible passage that states, “An eye for an eye.” Again, Brown argues that he conducted violent actions as a response to others using