American Experience; Interview with historian James Horton, 3 of 5 : John Brown's Holy War
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. Horton talks about Frederick Douglass - thought John Brown charismatic but too idealistic, Douglass/Brown - impressed each other, Gerrit Smith - land for blacks to vote, John Brown in black community, North Elba - John Brown in black community, home, important place, Abolitionists - not all believed in racial equality, John Brown did friends, Free blacks - committed to abolition, helped escaping slaves, Fugitive Slave Law - no right of self defense, Douglass, Boston, Dred Scott - 3 points, Plan - blacks ready for war, black military groups elsewhere, Plan - blacks awaiting the opportunity, Kansas - contested territory precursor to Civil War
