Constituting probably the most tragic part of American history, slavery left its scars on the lives of millions and the community in general. It was a period of unprecedented violence towards innocent people unable to defend their basic rights. The fight against it turned into a full-scale war, claiming thousands of lives and transforming the entire state. Among the numerous prominent figures associated with that period, a specific place is occupied by John Brown, a reserved shepherd who became a national symbol of struggle against inequality. Viewed as a selfless hero by some and as an “embodiment of evil, a murderer, and a lunatic” by others, he was one of the most controversial individuals of the Civil War (American Experience, 2019). The documentary under review provides a valuable discussion of John Brown’s life and a story of violence inextricably connected to him.
The first major topic covered in the video is the development of John Brown’s views throughout his life. Born in a traditional family, he learned the tragic reality of losses at an early age when his mother died. Moreover, being a child, he personally witnessed the hostile attitude towards a Black boy, which laid the foundation for the rage he would carry afterward. However, the documentary additionally provides an entirely different source of John Brown’s motivation, showing him as a person having nothing to lose (American Experience, 2019). In fact, his life is depicted as a story of continuous failures and enormous debt, leading to bankruptcy. His inability to achieve financial goals and highly ambitious character became a driving force for choosing another goal in his life. Finally, when his personal beliefs and the emerging abolitionism views matched, John Brown turned into a devoted warrior for freedom willing to sacrifice his life.
The theme directly tied to John Brown’s motivation is the role of religion in his actions. The video mentions that he was raised as a Calvinist, for whom life was an on-going trial, and the losses were the work of the Lord (American Experience, 2019). His beliefs grew stronger with age, and he often used to turn to God for advice. Moreover, his famous vow when he claimed to devote his life “to the destruction of slavery” took place in a church (American Experience, 2019). Finally, he started considering religion as an excuse for his inflicted violence and suffering, viewing himself as a sword in Lord’s hands. This is an issue, which broadly resonates with today’s problem of using God to justify the committed crimes. Religion, which is supposed to promote peace and love for mankind, has turned into a powerful weapon. Although in John Brown’s case, the goal was a noble one, such interpretation of faith has accounted for many tragedies.
The review of religious aspects logically leads to a more general question of the acceptability of violence for the right cause. The initial representatives of abolitionism were highly-educated people who followed the principle of peaceful transformation of the society. Then, the murders of activists and the infamous Fugitive Slave Act resulted in more radical views. As Thomas Jefferson once noted, “the tree of liberty should be watered with the blood of tyrants” (American Experience, 2019). This attitude seemed to guide John Brown in the many cruel acts he performed during his fight. However, such an approach often leads to a growing spiral of violence and a loss of many lives. Moreover, it was a remarkable moment that the first person to die in the Harpers Ferry attack was a free Black man (American Experience, 2019). Although the circumstances then were extraordinary, it should be a reminder to everybody that violence is not the right way to solve problems as it brings suffering to everybody.
Another valuable point superficially mentioned in the article is how the society and its ruling class allow fierce leaders to develop through their ignorance. It was after the bloody clashes in Kansas and the notorious Pottawatomie massacre when he traveled around the North searching for help. Still, his supporters preferred not to know about his actions, “willing to give him money and not ask too many questions” (American Experience, 2019). A similar story would be repeated almost a century later, with the European leaders negligently allowing Adolf Hitler to gain power and start a tragic war. This shows the hazards of negligence and the desire of some political figures to avoid tough questions.
The final issue not revealed in the documentary but deserving some particular attention is John’s attitude towards his fellow-in-arms. It is noted that he accepted the idea of being caught and hanged and even mentioned his expected fate during his last visit to the Russells (American Experience, 2019). At the same time, as a leader, he was supposed to take care of his men and attempt to protect them. Unfortunately, his actions demonstrated directly the opposite as he led the raiders into a trap and then declined to surrender despite a promise to have their lives spared. Fighting for his ideals, he pretended himself to be a God entitled to determine others’ destinies without the moral right to do it.
The discussion above indicates some of the principal aspects of John Brown’s character and struggle reviewed in the documentary. A description of his life and the tragedies he faced helps to understand his continuous inclination to violence. Raising the eternal question of the acceptability of crimes for the benefit of the wider society, the author prefers to leave it unanswered, only mentioning some possible consequences. Finally, it is all about a man who waged war but looked for peacefulness in God and sacrificed his life but made his name remembered forever by his ancestors.
Reference
American Experience. (2019). John Brown’s Holy War [Video]. YouTube. Web.