Or was it what the news of that Time Period made of His Actions of Attacking the U.S. Armory at Harper’s Ferry and His fiery Words before, during and After his Trial? You Decide? And also, how many on both sides joined in the Civil War Fight to Repel an Invading Army? Hmm…we must consider what brought son, brother, father, and grandfather into this Horrific War?

AMERICAN CIVIL WAR

History Test-Name the places where Ten Civil War Battles took Place?

April 12, 1861 – April 9, 1865

John Brown was hanged in Charles Town, Virginia (now West Virginia) on December 2, 1859, six weeks after his failed raid on the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry on October 16, 1859: 

• October 16: Brown and his men raid the armory, taking hostages and freeing enslaved people. The raid results in 16 deaths, including 10 of Brown’s men. Brown and several others are taken to jail in Charles Town.
• October 27: Brown’s trial begins and lasts five days.
• November 2: John Brown is convicted of murder, slave insurrection, and treason and sentenced to death.
• December 2:  John Brown is hanged for treason

The last moments of John Brown (leaving the jail on the …Library of Congress

https://www.americanheritage.com/eyewitness-describes-hanging-john-brown

Brown’s execution had a significant impact on national events, polarizing the North and South and hastening the events that led to the Civil War 16 months later: 

• North: Many viewed Brown as a hero.
• South: Many viewed Brown as a villain and a reflection of the North’s intended war on slavery.
• National: Brown’s execution helped make accommodation between the North and South nearly impossible. 

Brown was hanged on December 2, 1859, and his final written words were, “I John Brown am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away, but with Blood. I had…vainly flattered myself that without very much bloodshed, it might be done”.

On November 2, 1859, abolitionist John Brown gave a speech in a Charles Town, West Virginia courtroom defending his role in the Harper’s Ferry raid. In the speech, Brown said, “I believe that to have interfered as I have done, as I have always freely admitted I have done, in behalf of his despised poor, I have done no wrong, but right”. He also said, “I never had any design against the liberty of any person, nor any disposition to commit treason, or excite Slaves to rebel, or make any general insurrection”. Brown went on to say that he intended to free slaves, and that he had done so before in Missouri without violence. He also said that he believed he should forfeit his life if it was necessary to further justice and the rights of enslaved people. 

The reasons for the Civil War were disagreements over slavery, states vs. federal rights, the election of Abraham Lincoln, and the economy. After the inauguration of Lincoln in 1861, the South seceded and the Civil War officially started with the Battle at Fort Sumter.

Did you fail the History Test?

Here is an outline of notable Civil War battles and their locations:

I. Eastern Theater

A. Virginia
1. First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas)
2. Battle of Fredericksburg
3. Battle of Chancellorsville
4. Battle of Gettysburg
5. Battle of Petersburg
B. Maryland
1. Battle of Antietam
C. Pennsylvania
1. Battle of Gettysburg
D. Washington, D.C.
1. Battle of Fort Stevens

II. Western Theater

A. Tennessee
1. Battle of Shiloh
2. Battle of Chattanooga
3. Battle of Nashville
B. Mississippi
1. Siege of Vicksburg
C. Kentucky
1. Battle of Perryville

III. Trans-Mississippi Theater

A. Arkansas
1. Battle of Pea Ridge
B. Louisiana
1. Battle of Port Hudson
C. Texas
1. Battle of Galveston

IV. Naval Warfare

A. Virginia – Battle of Hampton Roads
B. Mississippi River – Battle of New Orleans

V. Other Notable Locations

A. South Carolina
1. Battle of Fort Sumter
B. Georgia
1. Battle of Atlanta

This outline covers significant battles and their locations during the American Civil War.

It is up to you how you feel or believe about Slavery and John Brown and His Actions. His own words may have helped people Join the North or Join the South.

John Brown’s remarks before, during, and after his trial for his raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859 were impactful and conveyed his beliefs about slavery and justice. Below are notable quotes attributed to him during these times:

I. Before the Trial

1. Statement on His Intentions:

• Brown expressed his commitment to ending slavery, viewing his raid as a righteous cause. He is known to have stated:
  • “I believe that to have been in the service of God… the last and greatest commandment.”

II. During the Trial

1. On His Actions:

• When questioned about his raid, Brown defended his actions by saying:
  • “I am entirely willing that you should judge me on my conduct.”

1. Addressing the Court:

• During his testimony, he conveyed his views on slavery:
  • “I would die for the slave.”

1. Condemnation of Slavery:

• He asserted his moral stance, saying:
  • “It is my opinion that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood.” No Truer Words were ever Said.

III. After the Trial

1. Final Statement:

• In a powerful and poignant statement before his execution, Brown said:
  • “I am not a coward… I am going to die… in the midst of the people of Virginia, that I may join my friends that have gone before me.”

1. Legacy and Martyrdom:

• After his death, Brown was viewed by many as a martyr for the abolitionist cause, with testimonies and letters quoting him expressing hope that his actions would spark a revolution against slavery.

IV. Reflections

• Brown’s final words have been remembered as a testament to his dedication to the anti-slavery movement, with a sentiment he expressed in various forms:
• “I am here to be tried for this crime… and I am not ashamed of the cause for which I stand.”

These quotes and sentiments highlight John Brown’s unwavering commitment to abolition and his belief that violent action was a necessary response to the horrors of slavery.