Consider the events involving John Brown from both Kansas and Harpers Ferry, VA. Then, please read the following reading, a letter written by Brown four days prior to his execution for treason. Then, consider the following question and comment: Was John Brown a hero and a martyr OR a madman?
When commenting, you should provide your own personal insight, from readings, class, and comment on another person's response, tell whether you agree or disagree with that person, be sure to describe what about somebody else's previous comments do you agree/disagree with; base it on evidence. Connect your responses to the content of chapter 19 (Chapter 20 in the 12th edition).
For more on John Brown's Raid, the following video was displayed at both the West Virginia and Virginia Historical Societies in 2009, the 150th anniversary of Brown's attempt to confiscate weapons from the arsenal in Harpers Ferry.
13 comments:
I believe John Brown was a hero and a martyr because he was trying to help slaves by raiding for weapons for them to escape. Even though he killed people, in a way he meant well because he wanted to save some of slaves that were living terrible for the sacrifice of a few others. He is said to have started the war that ended slavery.
I see John Brown was a hero and martyr. I say this because although his violent attempts did occur they were in the name of slavery, and tried to help free slaves.So although he did kill people, he was trying to save people at the same time.In a sence there was a kill 1 save 100 aspect amoung his doings.
I believe that John Brown was a hero and a martyr because even though he used violence instead of reason, he was fighting for a good cause. He believed that slaves should be free and he did save them eventually. Him dying for that cause made people want to fight more for the freedom of slaves. He is one of the major causes of the civil war.
John Brown was a madman who was aiming for heroic goals. He used violence to help slaves become free in a revolt. His meaning was well but violence was not an permanent answer. He was trying to live the words of the gospel but did so brutally. Murdering pro slavery settlers at Pottawatomie creek and killing innocents people at Harper's ferry such as a black baggage handler someone he was trying to free. His letters were are humble but he omits the violence committed. Also there would of been major human slaughter if the revolt was successful. Even though it was failed, his efforts may have had a part in starting the civil war. I do agree with previous comments saying he meant well and was fighting for a good cause, as well as being a cause of the civil war. I just find that how he went about abolishing slavery was wrong. That the ends don't justify the means.
I believe John Brown was a madman, but he tried to be a hero. I say this, because in his letter to D.R. Tilden Brown says, "...and that my sleep, in particular, is as sweet as that of a healthy, joyous little infant." What man would happy eith killing people, even if it was to save slaves? I agree with Nathan because he said that there would have been major human slaughter if the revolt was successful. Even though he believed slaves should be free John Brown killed people for the wrong reasons, therefore making him a madman.
John Brown, a debated figure in American history, was a overly enthusiastic and confident person according to me. I didn't want to argue about Brown being violent, as being rebellious in violent way is not wrong for a good cause. George Washington did it in revolutionary war but I agree with Nathan and Cameron madman part because what Washington did was somewhat well planned and clear. Whereas Brown started his revolution by killing a free black man and the way his whole debacle or so called revolution(in Brown's View) ended. Just tell us how hilarious he was when it came to political and practical tactics. However by reading his letter I realized that he could have ended up somewhat better for himself and slaves if he was a little smart and considerably enthusiastic.
I believe John Brown was a hero and a martyr. He was fighting to free many slaves. Although he did kill people, it was for a good cause. He believed that slavery was evil and risked his life to end slavery. John Browns actions did influence slavery ending after his death.
I believe that John Brown was a hero and martyr. He was fighting to free the many slaves, but did so in a drastic way. He wanted to help the salves but did so in a violent manner. He believed that slaves should be free and he did save them eventually. He did sacrifice his life in some terms to show how that he cared for the slaves to be free. With his actions he was a reason for others to be a part of the fight for freedom and slavery. I agree with the other comments stating that he was a very violent person by trying to get his point across. He did pursue in some aggressive actions, but was all for a good cause.
I believe John Brown to be a hero and a martyr because he was okay with dying for a cause he strongly believed in. He tried to free slaves and killed along the way but only because it was his only chance to be heard and give slaves their freedom. John Brown felt so strongly about this that he was willing to risk his sons’ lives who in fact did end up dying on their pursuit. Evidence that supports this is when the letter states, “it is a great comfort to feel assured that I am permitted to die for a cause – not merely to pay the debt of nature, as all must.” This shows Brown was willing to accept all consequences for what he was doing to free slaves. I agree with Airiel and Austin because John Brown’s violent actions did go towards a good cause which was freedom for slaves.
I believe that John Brown was a hero and a martyr because he was trying to help free the slaves. Even though, he did fight and kill people, he did for a reason. He fought for something he thought was wrong, in this case it was slavery. No slaves were freed but he was able to force Americans to reconsider. He became one of the causes of the civil war. In his letter he states, "It is great comfort to feel assured that I am permitted to die for a cause." He was a hero because his actions showed that he cared for the slaves, since he died for them. I agree with Airiel because he did what he had to. He wanted to free the slaves and he fought in such a violent way, but he did it for a good cause. He was thinking about others, not just about himself.
In my opinion, I believe that John Brown was a martyr. He was a person who sacrificed his own life for the sake of the Christian principles he believed in. Even though he performed extreme acts in Kansas and at Harpers Ferry, they were for a good cause. His intentions were good in his mind but his way about trying to achieve them was shocking to Americans at the time. John Brown was willing to lose everything, including his life, just to make sure that his belief became true. John Brown was executed for treason but in reality he was doing these things because he believed it would help his nation not betray it. In the letter that he wrote to his pastor, John Brown says “The great bulk of mankind estimate each other’s actions and motives by the measure of success or otherwise that attends them through life. By that rule, I have been one of the worst and one of the best of men.” Even John Brown himself felt conflicted about his violent actions but he believed it was the only way to make a point against slavery. He tells his pastor that it is up to the people now to decide “whether the world has been the worse or the better for my living or dying in it.” John Brown is essentially saying that now that he has made a scene about slavery and how he feels about it, it’s now up to the people of the United States to either make something better of it or make the issue of slavery worse. John Brown used violence only for what he thought was right based on the principles of his Christian religion, he chose to die for what he thought was right and is remembered for fighting for the abolitionist cause.
I believe that John Brown was not a madman, and was instead a hero and a martyr. I believe this because his main concern was to help the slaves and equip them with weapons. I agree with what Miranda Zygmunt wrote concerning his violent ways. He did kill people, but it was all for the hope to spread the idea of freedom for slaves. Even though no slaves were freed because of his actions, it did cause Americans to think and hopefully change their minds about slavery for the better. John Brown's commitment for this cause shows that he couldn't possible be a madman, as shown in the quote from the reading “it is a great comfort to feel assured that I am permitted to die for a cause – not merely to pay the debt of nature, as all must.” If you just look at his actions, people may think he was a madman, but you have to learn why he did what he did. His actions could have been done in a less violent way, but his cause (slaves deserve freedom) makes him like a hero and a martyr.
In my opinion, John Brown is a hero and a martyr. He went through with his plan to start a slave uprising by marching through VA handing out guns (stolen from federal armory). I agree with Brooke; he did want to free slaves but his plan backfired. The slaves didn't revolt with him. Brown and his crew killed several innocent people.
Yes, other people believed he was crazy and a madman. But his actions reflect how determined and passionate he was about his anti-slavery beliefs.Brown didn't care what people believed either. He didn't regret what he did. "This is a beautiful country," Brown said right before he got hung. He had hope in the country and only wanted to make it better. He is a hero and an inspiration for showing others they should stick up for themselves and fight for what they believe in.
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