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Lesson 39 of 84 ยท The Civil War

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John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry

๐ŸŒMission Brief #39

John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry, which took place in 1859, was an attempt by the abolitionist John Brown to initiate an armed slave revolt.

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Then & Now

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John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry, which took place in 1859, was an attempt by the abolitionist John Brown to initiate an armed slave revolt. He and his followers seized a federal armory in Harpers Ferry, Virginia, hoping to gather weapons to support enslaved people in their fight for freedom. The raid was unsuccessful, and Brown was captured and later executed. While the raid failed, it heightened tensions between the North and South and made Brown a martyr in the eyes of many abolitionists, illustrating the deep divisions in the nation over slavery.

Key Facts

1

The raid occurred in 1859 at Harpers Ferry, Virginia.

2

John Brown aimed to start a slave rebellion.

3

Brown was captured and executed after the failed raid.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 2

What was John Brown's goal in the raid on Harpers Ferry?

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Why this still matters

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Stretch Challenge

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Find one historical photo that shocked you. Tell someone about it.

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John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry โ€” The Civil War | 5th Grade Social Studies | LittleActivity | LittleActivity