Reading what Wilentz had to say about the politics and events leading up to the civil war was much more invigorating than usual. Come of the previous chapters explored high politics, and though well-written, failed to keep my attention. However, these chapters were rather interesting, especially the section about John Brown.<\/p>\n

John Brown\u2019s plans for raiding Harpers Ferry were foolish. However, the extent to which his strategy was unrealistic leads me to believe that he had a feeling he\u2019d be exchanging \u201cthe role of an avenging commander-in-chief for that of a martyr\u201d (Wilentz, 423). Uncommitted to actually being successful in his raiding efforts, he seemed to know that his actions served more as an ideological example for abolitionists. He knew that true change within \u201cthis slave country\u201d would \u201cnever be purged away; but with Blood\u201d meaning that his insurrection was only a glimpse of what was to come in the clash between the North and South.<\/p>\n

Evfarese mentioned in their post that “many thought that it might occur, but Brown\u2019s violent actions and his prophecy surely convinced a large amount of Americans that secession and war was in the future.\u201d As my classmate pointed out, John Brown\u2019s actions precipitated the public\u2019s realization that war was imminent given the growing tensions between the North and South.<\/p>\n

It was ironic that Brown\u2019s actions, meant to exemplify his fundamental hatred for the institution of slavery, actually made southern slave owners believe that their slaves were content with slavery (Wilentz, 425). Wilentz brought up a point that I had never previously considered. After John Brown\u2019s failed revolution, he was almost universally ridiculed for his hastiness. But as a result of this widespread disapproval of his actions, the door was opened for more moderate Republicans such as Abraham Lincoln to ascend to political power (Wilentz, 425). Although Brown would have rejected the more moderate route taken by Lincoln, the same goal of abolition was achieved in the end. Although the election of Lincoln is most often cited as the greatest provocation of the South\u2019s secession (and perhaps it is) the events such as John Brown\u2019s raid should also be cited to give context of the rising tension and chaos in the nation leading up to the election of 1860.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Reading what Wilentz had to say about the politics and events leading up to the civil war was much more invigorating than usual. Come of the previous chapters explored high politics, and though well-written, failed to keep my attention. However, these chapters were rather interesting, especially the section about John Brown. John Brown\u2019s plans for … <\/p>\n

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