Why was John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry treason?

Severely wounded and taken to the jail in Charles Town, Virginia, John Brown stood trial for treason against the commonwealth of Virginia, for murder, and for conspiring with slaves to rebel.

Why was John Brown’s raid controversial?

John Brown remains one of the most controversial figures in our history. To destroy the institution of slavery, he firmly believed there was only one possible course of action. He saw what he thought was the ultimate wrong and tried in the only way he could imagine to right it.

What was the intention of John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry?

On the evening of Oct. 16, 1859, abolitionist John Brown led 21 men down the road to Harpers Ferry in what is today West Virginia. The plan was to take the town’s federal armory and, ultimately, ignite a nationwide uprising against slavery.

What was the reason his raid at Harpers Ferry failed?

The main reason John Brown’s raid at Harpers Ferry failed was because the armory that he attacked was surrounded by a regiment. As a result, he was easily discovered by the soldiers patrolling the area. He was arrested and later executed.

What were the consequences of John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry?

Sixteen people were killed in the raid, including ten of Brown’s men. John Brown, Aaron Stevens, Edwin Coppoc, Shields Green, and John Copeland were taken to jail in Charles Town, Virginia, on October 19. Albert Hazlett and John Cook were subsequently captured and jailed with the others.

How did people feel about John Brown’s raid?

Most white southerners, angry at so bold a challenge to their sovereignty and honor, immediately denounced Brown as a lunatic and criminal. Northern reaction to the raid varied among whites. Many initially rejected his use of violence and were disinterested in his goal.

What did John Brown’s raid do?

On October 16, 1859, abolitionist John Brown and several followers seized the United States Armory and Arsenal at Harpers Ferry. The actions of Brown’s men brought national attention to the emotional divisions concerning slavery.

Why was John Brown’s raid a turning point?

The raid on Harpers Ferry and the resulting execution of Brown was a major turning point in the American abolitionist movement, causing many peaceful abolitionists to accept more militant measures to push for the end of slavery.

Was the raid on Harpers Ferry proslavery or antislavery?

John Brown’s Raid



The Washington family continued to own enslaved people. A group of men, led by Owen Brown, was able to kidnap Washington, while the rest of the men, with John Brown at the lead, began a raid on Harpers Ferry to seize both weapons and pro-slavery leaders in the town.

What was the purpose of John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry quizlet?

Terms in this set (2)



In 1859, a small group of men attacked the small town of Harper’s Ferry in Virginia. They were intent on seizing weapons to give to slaves to start a rebellion.



Was John Brown’s raid a conflict?

Harpers Ferry Raid, (October 16–18, 1859), assault by an armed band of abolitionists led by John Brown on the federal armoury located at Harpers Ferry, Virginia (now in West Virginia). It was a main precipitating incident to the American Civil War.

How did John Brown’s raid affect the debate about slavery?

The raid on Harpers Ferry and the resulting execution of Brown was a major turning point in the American abolitionist movement, causing many peaceful abolitionists to accept more militant measures to push for the end of slavery.

What did Lincoln think about John Brown’s raid?

Lincoln thought Brown had “shown great courage, rare unselfishness.” But, with most Americans of the day, Lincoln believed Brown had gone too far. “Old John Brown has just been executed for treason against the state.

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