John Brown's Raid Primary Source Analysis

Students read an account of John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry from the Civil War, excerpts from an interview John Brown conducted prior to his execution in 1859, and answer 20 questions. The answers are included where appropriate. This would be great for a sub! 

Sample questions include:
--Brown's last words can be considered ominous and foreshadowing. Explain how that is the case in reference to the phrase: "the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood."
--Describe the relationship between reactions to Brown's actions and his fate and how Americans felt about slavery. You will have to infer from the text and draw on prior knowledge to best address this question.
--What type of person is considered an insurgent? Would an insurgent refer to himself as such? Why or why not?
--What happened when Brown rejected the summons?
-- Describe Brown's point of view of how he came to be a prisoner.
--Explain Brown's answer in your own words when he was asked, "How do you justify your acts?"
--Explain what Brown meant when he said, "and not to act the part of an incendiary or ruffian."

Click here for more US History resources from Stephanie's History Store