American experience. John Brown's holy war. Interview with historian James Brewer Stewart. 1 of 5

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Martyr, madman, murderer, hero: John Brown remains one of history's most controversial and misunderstood figures. In the 1850s, he and his ragtag guerrilla group embarked on a righteous crusade aga...

Martyr, madman, murderer, hero: John Brown remains one of history's most controversial and misunderstood figures. In the 1850s, he and his ragtag guerrilla group embarked on a righteous crusade against slavery that was based on religious faith -- yet carried out with shocking violence. His execution at Harpers Ferry sparked a chain of events that led to the Civil War. Stewart talks about Bible - annotated, scripture explains life, Land - as a commodity, compares to futures market, Bankruptcy - panic of 1837, bankrupt US economy, Bankruptcy/1837 - John Brown a typical story, Garrison - threatening to whites/Abolitionists peaceful, Personality - great speakers mixed w/middle class - not John Brown, Professional Reformer - John Brown was not, had to earn a living, John Brown searching for stability, too preoccupied for abolitionism, Personality - charisma, intimate, skills of a man on fire, Failure/Success - talented at selling inner soul, not wool.

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