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John Brown Thesis

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John Brown, born at the turn of the century in 1800, lived most of his younger life isolated in the wilderness of Connecticut. Brown and his father, Owen Brown, are prime examples of “the apple does not fall far from the tree.” Brown Sr. raised his family to be Calvinist Christians and to oppose slavery. Not surprisingly, Brown maintained his Calvinist faith and strong opposition of slavery through the entirety of his life. At twelve years old, Brown witnessed his first violent act against a slave. Brown felt no difference between the slave and himself. In Brown’s adult life, he often asked God to guide him in his actions. Brown felt God told him it was time to use force in abolishing slavery. Brown argued that if God armed his apostle, Peter, God wanted him armed as well. In May of 1856, Brown led the Pottawatomie Massacre killing five people that were pro-slavery.
Beginning in his teenage years, Brown began to express his competitive nature and demand to lead. By age seventeen, Brown opened a competing …show more content…
(1) Brown was responsible for the killing about six people and watched about four of his own die. Ultimately, Brown risked the lives of ten people to try to free millions. It is accurate to refer to Brown as a martyr since he died for his religion and beliefs, but he is not a madman or terrorist. In the fight against Japan during World War Two, it was estimated there would be 2.9 to 3.3 million casualties if The Allies continued to ‘Island Hop.’(2) The “Little Boy” and “Fat Man” bomb are responsible for the death of over 104,000 people. (2) Even though, the atomic bombs are responsible for killing over 100,000 people, thirty times that number could have died or been injured in ‘Island Hopping’. Brown sacrificed approximately ten people in the hope that over three million people would be free. Brown’s goals were justified, millions more would have benefited from his action than

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