John Brown's Motivation PS

8.H.2.1 Explain the impact of economic, political, social, and military conflicts (e.g. war, slavery, states’ rights and citizenship and immigration policies) on the development of North Carolina and the United States.

8.C&G.1.1 Summarize democratic ideals expressed in local, state, and national government (e.g. limited government, popular sovereignty, separation of powers, republicanism, federalism and individual rights).

8.C&G.2.3 Explain the impact of human and civil rights issues throughout North Carolina and United States history. 

8.H.1.3 Use primary and secondary sources to interpret various historical perspectives

John Brown's Motivation Primary Source Assignment

In October 1859, John Brown led an unsuccessful raid on Harpers Ferry, Virginia. The raid shocked the nation and heightened sectional tensions in the build-up to the Civil War. What did John Brown hope to accomplish? 

Read the following primary sources then answer in complete sentences:

Now Answer the following questions in complete sentences:

Document A Questions- 

1. According to Frederick Douglass, what did John Brown hope to accomplish by attacking Harper's Ferry?

2. Is Frederick Douglass' account a trustworthy source for learning about John Brown's intentions? Explain.

Document B Questions-

3. According to Salmon Brown, what did John Brown hope to accomplish by attacking Harper's Ferry?

4. How does Salmon Brown's account compare to Frederick Douglass' account? To what extent do they agree or disagree?

Document C Questions- 

5. What does John Brown say he intended to accomplish with the attack at Harper's Ferry in this letter?