Description

Martyr, madman, murderer, hero: John Brown remains one of history's most controversial and misunderstood figures. In the 1850s, he and his ragtag guerrilla group embarked on a righteous crusade against slavery that was based on religious faith -- yet carried out with shocking violence. His execution at Harpers Ferry sparked a chain of events that led to the Civil War. Renehan talks about Mission/H Ferry - John Brown started to see himself as a vehicle, Mission - vehicle to get issue of slavery to a boil, Character - John Brown enigmatic, conflicted support for , Carpetbag letters/Vindication of Raid - Carpetbag letters - not an accident they were left, John Brown knew he would fail, Trial/Hanging/Redpath - Brown mythologized, Boston - extraordinary times create extraordinary bedfellows, Martyr - death his biggest success, icon

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WGBH

Record Harvested From

Digital Commonwealth