John Brown's Holy War - Terrorist or Heroic Revolutionary?

Explore the pivotal events leading up to the American Civil War in this 52-minute lecture from Yale University's course on The Civil War and Reconstruction. Delve into the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858, analyze the far-reaching implications of the Dred Scott decision, and examine the economic impact of the Panic of 1857. Gain insight into the controversial figure of John Brown, tracing his early life, beliefs, and the planning of his raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859. Understand how these events shaped the political and social landscape of pre-Civil War America, and consider the complex legacy of John Brown as both a potential terrorist and a heroic revolutionary. The lecture concludes with Brown's capture and its aftermath, providing a comprehensive overview of this tumultuous period in American history.