John Brown

Who Is He? Abolitionist from Connecticut. Married twice with 20 children. Deeply religious man. Believed violence was the only way to overthrow slavery in the United States.

Kansas-Nebraska Act Created by Senator Stephen Douglas in 1854. Created 2 new territories – Kansas and Nebraska Allowed popular sovereignty: letting the settlers decide if slavery should be allowed in their territory. Repealed the Missouri Compromise.

Kansas-Nebraska Act

“Bleeding Kansas” Pro- and anti-slavery settlers raced to Kansas. Each side wanted to rule the territory. Over 200 people were killed. John Brown and his sons killed 5 pro-slavery settlers with swords.

Harpers Ferry Oct. 16, 1859 – John Brown tried to lead a slave revolt in Harpers Ferry, Virginia. He and 21 others captured a U.S. military weapons arsenal. Col. Robert E. Lee led soldiers who captured Brown and killed 10 of his followers.

Killing John Brown Virginia authorities convicted John Brown of treason and sentenced him to hanging. Abolitionists called Brown a “hero” and a “saint.” Southerners were convinced Northerners would do anything to end slavery.