American Experience; Interview with historian Dennis Frye 6 of 6 : 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. Frye talks about Icon - South reacted more to North (John Brown as Christ) than to raid, Post Raid - 2 different emotional languages spoken N/S , Post Raid - John Brown carved canyon in public opinion, sliced bonds, Kansas - real beginning of Civil War, John Brown willing violence, Pottawatomie - extreme of John Brown, passion could overwhelm him, Pottawatomie - "a butchering of people", Pottawatomie - instrument of angry, vengeful God, Pottawatomie - John Brown bent truth, didn't admit to killings, Pottawatomie - John Brown lied, b/c he felt guilt? or part of war, Pottawatomie - "an outburst of emotion", Pottawatomie - vengeance against group b/c inspired by hate, Pottawatomie - nothing more than cold blooded murder, Family/God/Calling - struggled w/ dilemma, which road?, Religion - no one religion, communicated directly w/ God, Money - obsessed w/ earning $, duty to support Family, Money - didn't want great wealth, wanted comfort for family, Personality - John Brown driven, ambitious, goals, Slavery/Plan - cost of slaves, could be bad investment if flee, Slavery - Southern wealth invested in it, Plan - could've produced economic disaster for the South, Legacy - differs North/South, but no one could ignore him, Icon - John Brown knew he was having an effect, accomplished mission
