Violence and Abolitionism: Teaching and Learning About John Brown's Raid

• In Event: Place, Space, and Lessons for Social Justice

Abstract

“Violence and Abolitionism” offers an example of how to approach the topic of slavery and resistance that is based upon historical evidence found in primary source documents. The complexity of the abolition movement is unfamiliar to most students, particularly the divisions over methods for accomplishing the goal of eradicating legally sanctioned slavery. In this manuscript, the authors explore concepts of violence and pacifism in mid-19th century abolitionism, all while delving deep into the drama of John Brown’s raid.

Authors

• Chara H. Bohan, Georgia State University

• LaGarrett J. King, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Robert Baker, Georgia State University