WARM-UP Consider the following question: Consider the following question: –Is it ever justified to break the law?  If so, when and why. If not, why not?

BLEEDING KANSAS, BLEEDING CONGRESS, AND JOHN BROWN... WHO ALSO CAUSED A LOT OF BLEEDING Ms. Alicia Massey Mr. Zach Logan

KANSAS - NEBRASKA ACT In January 1854, Senator Stephen Douglas introduced a bill that divided the land west of Missouri into two territories, Kansas and Nebraska. In January 1854, Senator Stephen Douglas introduced a bill that divided the land west of Missouri into two territories, Kansas and Nebraska. The Document The chubby author himself, Mr. Stephen Douglas

The Kansas-Nebraska Act infuriated many in the North who considered the Missouri Compromise to be a long-standing binding agreement; angry that this new law replaced it. In the pro-slavery South it was strongly supported. The Kansas-Nebraska Act infuriated many in the North who considered the Missouri Compromise to be a long-standing binding agreement; angry that this new law replaced it. In the pro-slavery South it was strongly supported.

"...A stain that shall never bleach out in the sun!..." John Greenleaf Whittier The Marais Des Cygnes Massacre published September 1858

The years of were a turbulent time in Kansas territory. The Kansas- Nebraska Act of 1854 established the territorial boundaries of Kansas and Nebraska and opened the land to legal settlement. It allowed the residents of these territories to decide by popular vote whether their state would be free or slave. The years of were a turbulent time in Kansas territory. The Kansas- Nebraska Act of 1854 established the territorial boundaries of Kansas and Nebraska and opened the land to legal settlement. It allowed the residents of these territories to decide by popular vote whether their state would be free or slave.

This concept of self-determination was called popular sovereignty'. In Kansas, people on all sides of this controversial issue flooded the territory, trying to influence the vote in their favor. This concept of self-determination was called popular sovereignty'. In Kansas, people on all sides of this controversial issue flooded the territory, trying to influence the vote in their favor.

Rival territorial governments, election fraud, and squabbles over land claims all contributed to the violence of this era. Rival territorial governments, election fraud, and squabbles over land claims all contributed to the violence of this era.

Three distinct political groups occupied Kansas: pro-slavers, free-soilers and abolitionists. Three distinct political groups occupied Kansas: pro-slavers, free-soilers and abolitionists.

Violence broke out immediately between these opposing factions and continued until 1861 when Kansas entered the Union as a free state on January 29th. This era became forever known as "Bleeding Kansas". Violence broke out immediately between these opposing factions and continued until 1861 when Kansas entered the Union as a free state on January 29th. This era became forever known as "Bleeding Kansas".

During "Bleeding Kansas", murder, mayhem, destruction and psychological warfare became a code of conduct in Eastern Kansas and Western Missouri. During "Bleeding Kansas", murder, mayhem, destruction and psychological warfare became a code of conduct in Eastern Kansas and Western Missouri.

Well-known examples of this violence include the massacre in May 1856 at Pottawatomie Creek where John Brown and his sons killed five pro-slavery advocates. Well-known examples of this violence include the massacre in May 1856 at Pottawatomie Creek where John Brown and his sons killed five pro-slavery advocates.

Locally, trouble began in the summer of 1856 when a group of about 30 pro- slavery settlers from South Carolina arrived in Bourbon County. It was suspected that they were sponsored by the Southern Emigrant Aid Society and were members of the Dark Lantern Societies. Locally, trouble began in the summer of 1856 when a group of about 30 pro- slavery settlers from South Carolina arrived in Bourbon County. It was suspected that they were sponsored by the Southern Emigrant Aid Society and were members of the Dark Lantern Societies.

Fort Scott and the surrounding area were not immune from the violence. The division of the opposing factions was clearly visible at the site of the "old fort.” Fort Scott and the surrounding area were not immune from the violence. The division of the opposing factions was clearly visible at the site of the "old fort.”

The military had abandoned Fort Scott in Two years later, the buildings were sold at a public auction and the former fort immediately became the nucleus of a rapidly growing town. The military had abandoned Fort Scott in Two years later, the buildings were sold at a public auction and the former fort immediately became the nucleus of a rapidly growing town. Two of the buildings became hotels. One, a former officer's quarters, was opened as the Fort Scott or Free State Hotel. Located right across the parade ground was the Western or Pro-Slavery Hotel, a former infantry barracks. Two of the buildings became hotels. One, a former officer's quarters, was opened as the Fort Scott or Free State Hotel. Located right across the parade ground was the Western or Pro-Slavery Hotel, a former infantry barracks.

The residents of Fort Scott were predominately pro-slavers, while free- staters and abolitionists dominated the surrounding countryside. Radicals of each faction terrorized the town throughout the "Bleeding Kansas" era. The residents of Fort Scott were predominately pro-slavers, while free- staters and abolitionists dominated the surrounding countryside. Radicals of each faction terrorized the town throughout the "Bleeding Kansas" era.

By 1858, trouble had intensified in southeast Kansas. Radical elements from other theaters of the conflict were now converging on this area. By 1858, trouble had intensified in southeast Kansas. Radical elements from other theaters of the conflict were now converging on this area.

James Montgomery became a leader of free state forces and was involved in several violent incidents. James Montgomery became a leader of free state forces and was involved in several violent incidents.

In April of 1858, Montgomery and his men fought U. S troops stationed at Fort Scott in the battle of Paint Creek. One soldier was killed in this encounter. In April of 1858, Montgomery and his men fought U. S troops stationed at Fort Scott in the battle of Paint Creek. One soldier was killed in this encounter.

In May of 1858, Montgomery and his men drove pro-slavery forces from Linn County. In retaliation, eleven free-staters were pulled out of their homes, taken to a ravine and shot down In May of 1858, Montgomery and his men drove pro-slavery forces from Linn County. In retaliation, eleven free-staters were pulled out of their homes, taken to a ravine and shot down Linn County Courthouse

This incident, known as the Marais des Cygnes Massacre was rumored to have been plotted in the Western Hotel. This incident, known as the Marais des Cygnes Massacre was rumored to have been plotted in the Western Hotel.

On June 5, 1858, Montgomery and his raiders tried to burn down the Western Hotel. On June 5, 1858, Montgomery and his raiders tried to burn down the Western Hotel.

Montgomery and his raiders struck again in December of 1858 when he rescued Benjamin Rice, a free-soiler. Rice had been arrested for murder and was imprisoned in the Fort Scott Hotel. Montgomery claimed that he was jailed illegally, so he came to Fort Scott to free him. Montgomery and his raiders struck again in December of 1858 when he rescued Benjamin Rice, a free-soiler. Rice had been arrested for murder and was imprisoned in the Fort Scott Hotel. Montgomery claimed that he was jailed illegally, so he came to Fort Scott to free him.

In the struggle following Rice's rescue, former Deputy Marshal John Little, a pro- slavery advocate, fired shots into the ranks of the free-staters. Peeking around a corner got him shot and killed. Little's fiancé, Gene Campbell, wrote Montgomery a letter... In the struggle following Rice's rescue, former Deputy Marshal John Little, a pro- slavery advocate, fired shots into the ranks of the free-staters. Peeking around a corner got him shot and killed. Little's fiancé, Gene Campbell, wrote Montgomery a letter...

Fort Scott January 4, 1859 Montgomery:... Oh, the anguish you have caused... A few days more and we were to have been married, then go south to trouble you no more... But through your influence, he was killed. He was sent to another world without even time to pray or to say goodbye to his friends.

... But remember this. I am a girl, but I can fire a pistol. And if ever the time comes, I will send some of you to the place where there is "weeping and gnashing of teeth". You, a minister of God? You mean a minister of the devil, and a very superior one too. I have no more to say to you and your imps. Please accept the sincere regards of your future repentance. Gene Campbell

A NATION DIVIDED "Bleeding Kansas" was part of the political storm that occurred throughout the United States before the Civil War. The anti- slavery forces prevailed as Kansas entered into the Union a free state on January 29, This turbulence illustrated the beginning of the terrifying bloodshed that was to come during the Civil War. "Bleeding Kansas" was part of the political storm that occurred throughout the United States before the Civil War. The anti- slavery forces prevailed as Kansas entered into the Union a free state on January 29, This turbulence illustrated the beginning of the terrifying bloodshed that was to come during the Civil War.Civil WarCivil War

John Brown

October 1856: Brown left Kansas for a fundraising tour through the Northeast for his anti-slavery crusade. He sought money to fund an “army” he would lead in his war against slavery. October 1856: Brown left Kansas for a fundraising tour through the Northeast for his anti-slavery crusade. He sought money to fund an “army” he would lead in his war against slavery.

Brown’s Plan of Action Brown’s plan seemed straightforward: he and his men would establish a base in the Blue Ridge Mountains from which they would assist runaway slaves and launch attacks on slave holders Brown’s plan seemed straightforward: he and his men would establish a base in the Blue Ridge Mountains from which they would assist runaway slaves and launch attacks on slave holders

A Change of Plans John Brown was ready to launch his war in 1858 as he had both the money and the men to proceed. John Brown was ready to launch his war in 1858 as he had both the money and the men to proceed. –Largely funded by the “Secret Six” However, he was forced to postpone his attack because one of his followers threatened (and did) reveal the plan to outsiders. However, he was forced to postpone his attack because one of his followers threatened (and did) reveal the plan to outsiders. The following Summer (1859), after a one year delay, Brown was eager to launch his attack. The following Summer (1859), after a one year delay, Brown was eager to launch his attack.

Brown bought a farm in Maryland, across the Potomac from Harpers Ferry. Here he assembled his weapons and waited for his “army” to arrive. Brown bought a farm in Maryland, across the Potomac from Harpers Ferry. Here he assembled his weapons and waited for his “army” to arrive. The year-long delay had a bad effect on Brown’s plan- many of the men he previously recruited changed their minds, moved away, or did not think the plan would work. The year-long delay had a bad effect on Brown’s plan- many of the men he previously recruited changed their minds, moved away, or did not think the plan would work.

Warnings Against the Raid John Brown met with Frederick Douglass, a prominent abolitionist, who told Brown that attacking the federal arsenal at Harper’s Ferry was essentially attacking the federal government. In Douglass’ opinion, this was a huge mistake: John Brown met with Frederick Douglass, a prominent abolitionist, who told Brown that attacking the federal arsenal at Harper’s Ferry was essentially attacking the federal government. In Douglass’ opinion, this was a huge mistake: –“ You’re walking into a perfect steel-trap, and you will never get out alive.” ~ Douglass

Regardless of the poor turnout and warnings against the raid, Brown set out on October 16, 1859 with 21 men. (5 African Americans and 16 whites) Regardless of the poor turnout and warnings against the raid, Brown set out on October 16, 1859 with 21 men. (5 African Americans and 16 whites) They left Brown’s farm after sundown, crossed the Potomac, marched all night through the rain and arrived at Harper’s Ferry around 4:00 a.m. They left Brown’s farm after sundown, crossed the Potomac, marched all night through the rain and arrived at Harper’s Ferry around 4:00 a.m.

Brown and his men cut telegraph wires, then made their assault. Brown and his men cut telegraph wires, then made their assault. Single guard surrendered, John Brown said, “I have possession now of the United States armory, and if the citizens interfere with me I must only burn the town and have blood.” Single guard surrendered, John Brown said, “I have possession now of the United States armory, and if the citizens interfere with me I must only burn the town and have blood.” They also rounded up 60 prominent citizens of the town and held them as hostages, hoping that their slaves would join the fight. No slaves came forth. They also rounded up 60 prominent citizens of the town and held them as hostages, hoping that their slaves would join the fight. No slaves came forth.

Local militia pinned Brown and his men down. Under a white flag (symbolizing peace), one of Brown’s sons was sent out to negotiate with the citizens. He was shot and killed! Local militia pinned Brown and his men down. Under a white flag (symbolizing peace), one of Brown’s sons was sent out to negotiate with the citizens. He was shot and killed! News of the insurrection, relayed by the conductor of an express train heading to Baltimore, reached President Buchanan. Marines and soldiers were dispatched under the leadership of Colonel Robert E. Lee. News of the insurrection, relayed by the conductor of an express train heading to Baltimore, reached President Buchanan. Marines and soldiers were dispatched under the leadership of Colonel Robert E. Lee.

Lee’s men moved in and only 36 hours after the insurrection began, 10 of Brown’s men were killed and Brown was captured. Lee’s men moved in and only 36 hours after the insurrection began, 10 of Brown’s men were killed and Brown was captured. Brown, who was seriously wounded, was taken to Charlestown, Virginia (now Charles Town, West Virginia) along with the other captives. Brown, who was seriously wounded, was taken to Charlestown, Virginia (now Charles Town, West Virginia) along with the other captives.

Brown (and his men) were quickly put on trial. After a 45 minute deliberation, Brown was convicted of treason, punishable by death by hanging. Brown (and his men) were quickly put on trial. After a 45 minute deliberation, Brown was convicted of treason, punishable by death by hanging. Brown offered no forgiveness, stating,: Brown offered no forgiveness, stating,: –“ I believe that to have interfered as I have done… I did no wrong, but right. Now if it is deemed necessary that I should forfeit my life for the furtherance of the ends of justice and mingle my blood, with the blood of millions in this slave country whose rights are disregarded by wicked, cruel, and unjust enactments, I say, let it be done!” –Brown readily accepted the sentence and declared he had acted in accordance with God’s commandments Brown was hung on December 2, 1859 in Charlestown Brown was hung on December 2, 1859 in Charlestown

The Aftermath: Northern Views People had mixed feelings about John Brown and his actions People had mixed feelings about John Brown and his actions –For some, he was simply insane and should not be hanged –For others, he was a martyr to the cause of abolition and his quick trial and execution reflected the fear and arrogance of Virginia’s slave-owners –Many Northerners condemned Brown’s actions but thought him right in his conviction that slavery had to end.

The Aftermath: Southern Views Southerners outraged Southerners outraged –Raid and attack intended against slave owners, even in the effort to kill them had taken place and was even funded by Northern men –The Possibility of slave uprisings had been feared but Southerners never thought Northern abolitionists would deliberately arm slaves and push for rebellion

In Summary: Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry and his execution further polarized the North and South…. Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry and his execution further polarized the North and South…. Brown’s personal actions at Harper’s Ferry brought the nation to the crossroads of civil war and openly divided the nation on the single issue of slavery for which it could find no acceptable compromise. Brown’s personal actions at Harper’s Ferry brought the nation to the crossroads of civil war and openly divided the nation on the single issue of slavery for which it could find no acceptable compromise.

Bleeding Congress Violence was not restricted to Kansas or John Brown’s raid at Harper’s Ferry as it had also crept into Congress. Violence was not restricted to Kansas or John Brown’s raid at Harper’s Ferry as it had also crept into Congress. May 1856, Congress witnessed the unthinkable May 1856, Congress witnessed the unthinkable Charles Sumner’s speech in the Senate Charles Sumner’s speech in the Senate –Attacks colleagues for their support of slavery –Focuses attack on South Carolina senator Andrew Butler

Butler’s nephew, Congressman Preston Brooks fights back Butler’s nephew, Congressman Preston Brooks fights back –“I have read your speech twice over, carefully. It is a libel on South Carolina and Mr. Butler, who is a relative of mine.” Caning of Charles Sumner Caning of Charles Sumner –Andrew Butler repeatedly struck Sumner on the head until his cane broke!

North & South Divided Again Southerners applauded Brooks and many even sent him new canes, including one inscribed with the words, “Hit him again!” Southerners applauded Brooks and many even sent him new canes, including one inscribed with the words, “Hit him again!” Northerners were outraged and condemned the incident as another example of Southern brutality. Northerners were outraged and condemned the incident as another example of Southern brutality.