GBH Openvault

American Experience; John Brown's Holy War; Interview with historian Dennis Frye 6 of 6

Part of John Brown's Holy War Interviews.

2000

Frye talks about Icon - South reacted more to North (John Brown as Christ) than to raid, Post Raid - 2 different emotional languages spoken N/S , Post Raid - John Brown carved canyon in public opinion, sliced bonds, Kansas - real beginning of Civil War, John Brown willing violence, Pottawatomie - extreme of John Brown, passion could overwhelm him, Pottawatomie - "a butchering of people", Pottawatomie - instrument of angry, vengeful God, Pottawatomie - John Brown bent truth, didn't admit to killings, Pottawatomie - John Brown lied, b/c he felt guilt? or part of war, Pottawatomie - "an outburst of emotion", Pottawatomie - vengeance against group b/c inspired by hate, Pottawatomie - nothing more than cold blooded murder, Family/God/Calling - struggled w/ dilemma, which road?, Religion - no one religion, communicated directly w/ God, Money - obsessed w/ earning $, duty to support Family, Money - didn't want great wealth, wanted comfort for family, Personality - John Brown driven, ambitious, goals, Slavery/Plan - cost of slaves, could be bad investment if flee, Slavery - Southern wealth invested in it, Plan - could've produced economic disaster for the South, Legacy - differs North/South, but no one could ignore him, Icon - John Brown knew he was having an effect, accomplished mission

Series

American Experience

Program

John Brown's Holy War

Program Number

1205

Title

Interview with historian Dennis Frye 6 of 6

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

0:26:27

Asset Type

Raw video

Media Type

Video

Topics

History

Creators

Robert Kenner (Producer)

Contributors

Frye, Dennis (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 Dennis Frye 6 of 6,” 2000, GBH Archives, accessed December 22, 2024, http://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/V_03239811E0C74CAA8D5CEECBE9D21BE6.

MLA: “American Experience; John Brown's Holy War; Interview with historian Dennis Frye 6 of 6.” 2000. GBH Archives. Web. December 22, 2024. <http://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/V_03239811E0C74CAA8D5CEECBE9D21BE6>.

APA: American Experience; John Brown's Holy War; Interview with historian Dennis Frye 6 of 6. Boston, MA: GBH Archives. Retrieved from http://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/V_03239811E0C74CAA8D5CEECBE9D21BE6