This conspiracy was seen in many different ways. Some claimed that John Brown was a hero, being an abolitionist for slaves, and putting forth his beliefs on anti-slavery. While others believed and perceived Brown as a terrorist. Although both notions can be explained, and reasoned I do not think he was at all a terrorist. Brown believed and claimed that he was a soldier of God (Timmons, 2015). He followed the word of God, and only tried to help free those who suffered for many of year, slaves. What was there to gain for him in this raid? There is no other reason for Brown to create such a raid that involved murder, besides the sole fact that he genuinely wanted to help freedom fighters, and slaves across the states gain their own humanity and receive justice. There is no evidence that supports that he was a terrorist and the planning of this raid was primarily to gain power over slave-owners. Perhaps if that were the case, then he would commit the act to gain the slaves of the owners. But, he wanted to provide the slaves with their ammunition to rebel and go against whites (prominent to slavery). It is hard to be sure as to what Brown's motives were if they were not for the sake of being a leader to slaves, leading them into rioting against those who contribute to their suffering. With that being said, how do you guys take Brons act? Was he, in fact, a terrorist? A hero? Or was he truly destined to do the "work" of God?
Please share your thoughts below!
- Maleka Benjamin
Source: Timmons, Greg. “Terrorist or Freedom Fighter? John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 15 Oct. 2015, www.biography.com/news/john-brown-biography-harpers-ferry-raid
Very Interesting view of John Brown. Many people in Kansas believe he is a hero, where as people in the south look at him as a terrorist. I guess which ever side of the country your on is how you view John Brown
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