American Experience; Interview with historian Paul Finkelman, 1 of 5 : John Brown's Holy War
Description:
Martyr, madman, murderer, hero: John Brown remains one of history's most controversial and misunderstood figures. In the 1850s, he and his ragtag guerrilla group embarked on a righteous crusade against slavery that was based on religious faith -- yet carried out with shocking violence. His execution at Harpers Ferry sparked a chain of events that led to the Civil War. Finkelman talks about Slave power conspiracy, Constitution - covenant with death, Kansas - no democratic process, Slavery - profitable institution, Plan - guerilla war, land boom - money and religion, Personality - never a nimble man, Bankruptcy - personal failure, Bankruptcy - others declaring, Wool, Brown a sloppy businessman, Personality mesmerizes people, has power, Personality, backers in Boston, North Elba - John Brown happy there , Kansas - pro - slavery government, Kansas - crime to be an abolitionist
