Question

Who was john brown and what did he do

Answer 1

John Brown was a radical abolitionist who believed in the violent overthrow of the slavery system. During the Bleeding Kansas conflicts, Brown and his sons led attacks on pro-slavery residents. Justifying his actions as the will of God, Brown soon became a hero in the eyes of Northern extremists and was quick to capitalize on his growing reputation. By early 1858, he had succeeded in enlisting a small “army” of insurrectionists whose mission was to foment rebellion among the slaves. In 1859, Brown and 21 of his followers attacked and occupied the federal arsenal in Harpers Ferry. Their goal was to capture supplies and use them to arm a slave rebellion. Brown was captured during the raid and later hanged, but not before becoming an anti-slavery icon.

Answer 2

John Brown was an abolitionist who took over the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, VA , and was hanged for that action.

Further explanation:

• John Brown (1800-1859) was an abolitionist who supported armed struggle against existing laws and government in order to end slavery.  In October 1859, Brown led a raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia.  The intent was to arm slaves to fight for their freedom and set in motion a slave revolt that would spread across other regions in the South.  The effort was unsuccessful and Brown was hanged for treason against Virginia.