An Example of Individualism: John Brown - Abolitionist

Paper Summary:

This paper studies John Brown, one of the most prominent and also controversial abolitionists. The paper begins with a review of Brown's personal history and then provides a detailed account of his abolitionist activities. Included are discussions of his relationship with Frederick Douglas, his often bloody battles with pro-slavery forces in Kansas, and his instigation of a slavery revolt in Harper's Ferry, Virginia. The latter half of the paper is dedicated to an assessment of this revolt, by analyzing Brown's own writings on the subject, as well as those of his colleagues, including Douglas.

From the Paper:

"On October 16, 1859 John Brown led 21 men in an attack on Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Brown's ultimate goal - which initially failed - was to begin an uprising of slaves that would eventually end slavery in the United States. In a time when many white men were supporters of slavery or, at the very least, indifferent to it, Brown spent most of his life as an active abolitionist. He helped finance anti-slavery activities and publications; gave land to fugitive slaves; and he and his wife agreed to raise a black youth as one of their own. Brown is undoubtedly one of the most prominent abolitionists of his day, but he is also the most controversial. Viewed by some as violent and insane, and others as a heroic martyr for a just cause, John Brown's actions are widely viewed as instrumental in the eventual start of the Civil War."

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