John Brown, a fervent abolitionist, sought to undermine the institution of slavery in America through direct action. His most infamous act was the raid at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, where on October 16, 1859, Brown and a small band of followers attacked the federal armory. Brown's objective was to seize weapons and distribute them to enslaved people, sparking a large-scale rebellion against their captors. The raid was ill-conceived and poorly executed, as local citizens quickly mobilized and the U.S. Marines, led by then-Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Lee, arrived to quell the uprising. Brown was arrested, tried for treason, and found guilty. His trial raised important questions regarding the legality of armed resistance against slavery.

Brown's trial was infused with intense national attention, as his passionate defense transformed him into a polarizing figure. To his supporters, he was a martyr for the cause of freedom, while his detractors viewed him as a criminal. After being sentenced to death, Brown prepared himself for execution with a calm resolve, believing that his sacrifice would inspire others to join the fight against slavery. His execution on December 2, 1859, came just weeks after his trial concluded, further amplifying his status as a symbol of the abolitionist movement. Many in the North viewed him as a hero willing to pay the ultimate price for equality and justice.