John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry

John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859 was an attempt by the abolitionist John Brown to initiate a slave revolt by seizing a federal armory. Brown believed that armed resistance was necessary to end slavery. His raid, however, was unsuccessful, as Brown and his followers were captured by U. S. Marines.

The event heightened tensions between the North and South and made Brown a martyr to some in the abolitionist movement, while others viewed him as a terrorist. This division reflected the growing conflict over slavery in America.