GBH Openvault

American Experience; John Brown's Holy War; Interview with historian James Horton, 2 of 5

Part of John Brown's Holy War Interviews.

2000

Horton talks about Slavery - founding fathers, principle of human freedom, Brown - revolutionary, expanding principles, Abolitionists - had day jobs, underground RR dangerous, Underground RR - symbolic importance of whites (long), Underground RR - symbolic importance of whites (short), Brown - fight against slavery all consuming, driving force, Sanity - Nat Turner, rational to encourage rebellion, Sanity - imagine Nat Turner well armed, not crazy, Turner - uprising struck fear, spiritual visions, Religion - spiritual visions ordinary for 19th century, Douglass/Brown - intellect/emotion, impressed each other, Douglass/Brown - impressed each other, letter, Douglass - refined, powerful, would inspire raiders

Series

American Experience

Program

John Brown's Holy War

Program Number

1205

Title

Interview with historian James Horton, 2 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

0:29:19

Asset Type

Raw video

Media Type

Video

Topics

History

Creators

Robert Kenner (Producer)

Contributors

Horton, James (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 James Horton, 2 of 5,” 2000, GBH Archives, accessed December 21, 2024, http://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/V_C4FB3F2E8E9D4A4380387B175C87A21D.

MLA: “American Experience; John Brown's Holy War; Interview with historian James Horton, 2 of 5.” 2000. GBH Archives. Web. December 21, 2024. <http://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/V_C4FB3F2E8E9D4A4380387B175C87A21D>.

APA: American Experience; John Brown's Holy War; Interview with historian James Horton, 2 of 5. Boston, MA: GBH Archives. Retrieved from http://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/V_C4FB3F2E8E9D4A4380387B175C87A21D