CHAPTER 17: Road to Civil War "John Brown's Raid"

Introduction
Students have read about the activities of abolitionists and the support they gathered in the years leading up to the Civil War. In this lesson, students will learn more about one of the most brazen acts by an abolitionist during this time-John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry.

Lesson Description
Students will visit the Public Broadcasting System Web site and examine historical documents regarding John Brown's raid. They will then answer questions about what they have learned.

Instructional Objective
Students will able to interpret selected primary sources in order to answer questions about them.

Student Web Activity Answers
1. stern, hard, serious, determined
2. The raid was carried out by only Brown and 18 followers.
3. It revolved around declaring Brown insane.
4. He said he did not intend to cause violence or incite a slave rebellion but that he was only trying to aid the poor.

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