GBH Openvault

American Experience; John Brown's Holy War; Interview with historian Paul Finkelman, 4 of 5

Part of John Brown's Holy War Interviews.

2000

Finkelman talks about Boston - gets support w/out revealing much, Boston - give money, strike a blow against slavery, Jail - Christ - like martyr, Jail - no rescue, if hanged then martyr, Jail - martyr, ready to die, Jail - fulfilled purpose, last step in his evolution, Jail - instant myth, he makes the most of it, Jail - kissed child of jailer's slave woman, Jail - understands value of the media, Jail - media, goes back to old way, using words (long), Jail - media, goes back to old way, using words (short, Insanity - Virginia's mistake (alt), Insanity - Virginia's mistake (better), Jail - Virginians give access to media, own PR firm, Insanity - insane to give life for higher good?, Insanity - bad tactician, planner, etc. but not crazy, Icon - for North, only violence can end slavery, Icon - like Lincoln, makes Civil War about slavery, Icon - makes himself victim of slavery

Series

American Experience

Program

John Brown's Holy War

Program Number

1205

Title

Interview with historian Paul Finkelman, 4 of 5

Series Description

As television's longest-running, most-watched history series, American Experience brings to life the incredible characters and epic stories that helped form this nation. Now in its eighteenth season, the series has produced over 180 programs and garnered every major broadcast award.

Program Description

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.

Duration

0:28:27

Asset Type

Raw video

Media Type

Video

Topics

History

Creators

Robert Kenner (Producer)

Contributors

Finkelman, Paul (Interviewee)

Publication Information

WGBH Educational Foundation

Rights Summary

Rights Holder: WGBH Educational Foundation

Citation

Chicago: “American Experience; John Brown's Holy War; Interview with historian Paul Finkelman, 4 of 5,” 2000, GBH Archives, accessed April 24, 2024, http://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/V_5B0F60E7FFCB4BD5BABF44209688C0E5.

MLA: “American Experience; John Brown's Holy War; Interview with historian Paul Finkelman, 4 of 5.” 2000. GBH Archives. Web. April 24, 2024. <http://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/V_5B0F60E7FFCB4BD5BABF44209688C0E5>.

APA: American Experience; John Brown's Holy War; Interview with historian Paul Finkelman, 4 of 5. Boston, MA: GBH Archives. Retrieved from http://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/V_5B0F60E7FFCB4BD5BABF44209688C0E5