John Brown
John Brown the Freedom Fighter
Terrorism is described as the unlawful use of threat of violence against people or property to further political or social awareness. In the case of John Brown, several historians have argued wether he falls under the category of a terrorist due to his actions or if he could be considered a hero. After examining different arguments amongst historians and reviewing sources of his trial it is appropriate to state that John Brown was a freedom fighter. By studying the actions of John Brown we can acknowledge that not all of his efforts to secure racial justice were violent. By analyzing Brown’s trial after the attack at Harper’s Ferry, and reviewing the testimonies given by hostages we learn that Brown never had malicious intentions. James N. Gilbert’s argument supports the idea that Brown was a terrorist but after properly studying the life and trial of John Brown marking him as a terrorist would be inappropriate. John Brown has been considered a terrorist by historians due to his use of violence in his efforts to secure racial justice. However, these historians are obviously oblivious to the many non-violent actions which John Brown executed in his attempt to create a racial-balanced nation. Brown had various ways of approaching the situation, “He promoted a school for blacks. He insisted that his two hired black employees be allowed to sit in his pew at his Congregational Church--an unprecedented demand that led to his expulsion from the church. He became a stationmaster in the Underground Railroad, constructing a hiding place in his barn and taking fugitive slaves on nocturnal rides north to the next station.”1 Brown started his attempt at racial equality at a very young age and it is certain that they were not all violence driven. Brown’s acceptance to the idea that violence was necessary was only embraced due to his admiration towards both, Nat Turner, and Cinque, who both led successful rebellions against slavery.2
Terrorism is described as the unlawful use of threat of violence against people or property to further political or social awareness. In the case of John Brown, several historians have argued wether he falls under the category of a terrorist due to his actions or if he could be considered a hero. After examining different arguments amongst historians and reviewing sources of his trial it is appropriate to state that John Brown was a freedom fighter. By studying the actions of John Brown we can acknowledge that not all of his efforts to secure racial justice were violent. By analyzing Brown’s trial after the attack at Harper’s Ferry, and reviewing the testimonies given by hostages we learn that Brown never had malicious intentions. James N. Gilbert’s argument supports the idea that Brown was a terrorist but after properly studying the life and trial of John Brown marking him as a terrorist would be inappropriate. John Brown has been considered a terrorist by historians due to his use of violence in his efforts to secure racial justice. However, these historians are obviously oblivious to the many non-violent actions which John Brown executed in his attempt to create a racial-balanced nation. Brown had various ways of approaching the situation, “He promoted a school for blacks. He insisted that his two hired black employees be allowed to sit in his pew at his Congregational Church--an unprecedented demand that led to his expulsion from the church. He became a stationmaster in the Underground Railroad, constructing a hiding place in his barn and taking fugitive slaves on nocturnal rides north to the next station.”1 Brown started his attempt at racial equality at a very young age and it is certain that they were not all violence driven. Brown’s acceptance to the idea that violence was necessary was only embraced due to his admiration towards both, Nat Turner, and Cinque, who both led successful rebellions against slavery.2