Discussion 13 Topic: John Brown - Was He Larger Than 923936

Discussion 13 Topic John Brownjohn Brown Was A Larger Than Life Fig

Make an historical argument in response to this question: “Was John Brown a hero? Agree or Disagree. Begin your answer like this : “I agree/disagree John Brown was a hero for the following reasons:†First, (50 words or more) Source: (can be hyperlink or Author) Second, (50 words or more) Source: (can be hyperlink or Author) Third, (50 words or more) Source: (can be hyperlink or Author) Fourth, (50 words or more) Source: (can be hyperlink or Author) Background: Looking back, it isn't difficult to see the powder keg the country was sitting on in the years prior to the Civil War. Consider one the burning issues of the day – should slavery be allowed in any of the new states? While traditional history lessons focus on the issue of slavery as an argument between the tolerant north and the intolerant South. The conflict and tensions over slavery were much deeper than surface political stances. By the 1850s slavery was a divisive issue pulling the nation apart. While the battles in the 1850s were over policy and not physical, they did have far reaching implications. How would the new Western territories be dealt with? Would the states carved out of these lands be salve or free? Who would make this decision? The Compromise of 1850 and the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 were attempts to resolve the conflicts. Even with the compromises, the debate over slavery continue to divide the North and South. The abolitionist movement in the North against the pro-slavery advocates of the South. The tensions continued to grow and rumors of the South succession from the Union were sounding more and more realistic. With the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, Civil War was looming....

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John Brown remains one of the most controversial figures in American history, often regarded as either a heroic abolitionist or a fanatic terrorist. His radical actions and unwavering commitment to ending slavery significantly influenced the trajectory toward the Civil War, making a compelling case for viewing him as a hero driven by moral conviction.

I agree John Brown was a hero for the following reasons:

First, Brown's relentless dedication to ending slavery manifested in his willingness to risk his life for the cause. His attack on Harper's Ferry in 1859 aimed to incite a slave uprising, demonstrating his commitment to immediate action against the immense injustice of slavery. Historians like Michael Burlingame (2010) emphasize that Brown's proactive stance stemmed from a deep moral outrage over the institution of slavery, positioning him as a moral hero who prioritized justice over personal safety.

Second, Brown's actions galvanized the abolitionist movement and heightened national awareness of the brutality of slavery. His raid opened a national conversation about the deep divisions in the country, exposing the violent resistance to slavery's expansion. According to James McPherson (1988), Brown's armed resistance elevated the moral urgency of emancipation, transforming him into a symbol of righteous rebellion aligned with ethical imperatives.

Third, Brown embodied the antithesis of passive resistance; he was a man of action willing to confront violence with violence to challenge an unjust system. His belief in direct action, even at great personal cost, inspired many abolitionists and made him a martyr for the cause. Brown’s execution further ignited anti-slavery sentiments, as described by David S. Reynolds (2005), reinforcing his legacy as a hero willing to sacrifice everything for justice.

Fourth, historically, Brown's actions served as a catalyst that hastened the breakdown of national unity over slavery. While his raid was ultimately unsuccessful militarily, it dramatically exposed the moral and political chasms dividing North and South. Historians like Gary W. Gallagher (2010) argue that Brown's defiance precipitated the increasing polarization that led directly to secession and civil war, asserting that his heroism lay in his role as a symbolic figure whose sacrifices contributed to the abolition of slavery.

Looking back, Brown's legacy exemplifies the complex morality of revolutionary activism—his willingness to resort to violence remains contentious but underscores the profound moral urgency he felt to end slavery. His life epitomizes the moral fervor that fueled the abolitionist movement and helped shape a nation moving toward equality, despite the violent methods he employed.

References

• Burlingame, M. (2010). John Brown: A Biography. Rowman & Littlefield.
• McPherson, J. (1988). Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press.
• Reynolds, D. S. (2005). John Brown, Abolitionist. Vintage Books.
• Gallagher, G. W. (2010). The Union War. Harvard University Press.
• Oates, J. (1974). To Purge This Land With Blood: A Biography of John Brown. Harper & Row.
• Chase, M. (1998). The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery. Random House.
• Finkelman, P. (2012). Slavery and the Founders: Race and Liberty in the Age of Jefferson. M.E. Sharpe.
• Williams, D. (2003). The Blood of Abraham: Lincoln and the Coming of the Civil War. The University of North Carolina Press.
• Foner, E. (2010). Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad. W. W. Norton & Company.
• McPherson, J. (2012). Abraham Lincoln and the Second American Revolution. Oxford University Press.