John Brown was a prominent abolitionist who is best known for his radical opposition to slavery in the United States during the mid-19th century. He believed in using violent means to achieve the abolition of slavery. Brown is most famously known for his raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859, where he attempted to seize a federal arsenal to arm enslaved people for rebellion.
Opposition to John Brown came from various quarters. Many slaveholders and pro-slavery advocates viewed him as a dangerous terrorist due to his militant stance against slavery. Additionally, some abolitionists and anti-slavery supporters were critical of his methods, preferring non-violent means of resistance and advocacy.
Among his most notable opponents were political leaders and media who condemned his actions, leading to a mixed response even within the abolitionist movement. The fallout from the Harpers Ferry raid further polarized the nation on the issue of slavery, setting the stage for the Civil War.