In Service of a Cause?

JB-eyes

Overview

Students analyze images in conjunction with historical and contemporary texts, comparing and contrasting point of view, details, claims, evidence, and reasoning as they learn about the purpose of the 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry led by John Brown and consider whether or not his actions were justified in the historical context. After, students debate whether the use of force or violence in service of a cause can ever be justified.

Related Resources

Grade

High School, Middle School

Subjects

Civics, English Language Arts, Social Studies

Length

200 minutes

Topics

abolition, abolitionist, arguments, claims, close reading, force, Frederick Douglass, Harper's Ferry, Henry Thoreau, John Brown, protest, terrorism, trial, violence

Author

Primary Source Nexus

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