Question

To what extent was john brown's raid on harpers ferry a success or failure

Answer 1

In theory a total failure as he failed to start a war to free all enslaved men from bondage and was swiftly dealt with by Robert E Lee, his 2nd Jeb Stuart and their Marines and the local Militia.

But it ended up succeeding after all the raiders had already been killed in action or executed.

Browns death riled up an already angry North and more people saw slavery as a southern blight on society.

So as John Brown's body lied in the grave, abolitionists everywhere were mobilizing and spreading.

In the Northern states, West coast and Midwest Brown became a martyr for the abolition of an Evil which cost him his life, while in the south he was a Terrorist a crazy fanatic who stormed a small town killing 6 civilians and a marine.

He was further enshrined as an American hero during the Civil War when he became a rallying, and battle cry for union soldiers especially African american units.

So no his original plan didnt work but posthomously he stirred up division which in turn saw his dream true.