ERA 5: Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877)
The Father of American Terrorism, by Ken Chowder
Guiding Questions
Was John Brown a hero or a terrorist?
Did the raid on Harper’s Ferry accomplish anything?
John Brown
Teacher-to-Teacher
Students should have background knowledge in the sectional conflicts over slavery prior to the Civil War, especially the violent events in “Bleeding Kansas.” Teachers might want to begin by showing students two visual depictions of John Brown–one as the fiery giant in Kansas and one as the gentle martyr before execution. Ask students why there might be such divergent views of John Brown in history. After reading the article and primary sources, students can consider if John Brown’s actions were justified. Teachers can conclude the lesson by asking students to design a National Park Service plaque for John Brown at Harper’s Ferry. How should we remember John Brown?
- The Father of American Terrorism Embodied His Era (February/March 2000 | Volume: 51, Issue: 1) articles_ah
- Tragic Prelude by John Steuart Curry historical_images
- John Brown. Meeting the slave-mother and her child on the steps of Charlestown jail on his way to execution historical_images
- John Brown's Speech to the Court at his Trial historical_documents
- The Insurrection historical_documents
- John Brown: An Address historical_documents
- Glory hally, hallelujah! or The John Brown song. H. De Marsan, 54 Chatham Street, N.Y. historical_documents
- John Brown's Entrance Into Hell. historical_documents