1. Politics of Slavery

2. I. Abolitionism Movement to abolish slavery
Frederick Douglass: runaway slave who became abolitionist leader
Underground Railroad: network of white abolitionists, free blacks and slaves that helped slaves escape
Republican Party was formed by abolitionists

3. II. Dred Scott Decision
A slave sued his owner for freedom because he had lived in a free state.
Supreme Court said:
Slaves are not citizens, so Scott had no right to sue in court
Being in a free territory did not make a slave free
Caused Northerners to become abolitionist and join Republican party

4. III. John Brown’s Raid on Harper’s Ferry
Brown planned a raid on a federal arsenal
He wanted to distribute weapons to slaves
Action failed. Brown and his men were mostly captured or killed within 36 hours
Brown was ultimately hanged
Slave states began to strengthen militias.

5. John Brown going to his hanging
1.Why do you think they made his hanging public?
2.How would you describe the African American woman's emotion?
3.How has the artist expressed the hopelessness of the situation?

6. Abraham Lincoln called Brown a “misguided fanatic.”
John Brown

7. Central Historical Question:
Was John Brown a “misguided fanatic”?