Abraham Lincoln once said that “I have always thought that all men should be free; but if any should be slaves, it should be first those who desire it for themselves, and secondly those who desire it for others.” American history, as we know it today, is made up of many different chapters. Some of these chapters are noble, and some are regretful. Some remind us of the good in people, and some remind us of the evil. One of the dark chapters of American history is the period of slavery. Slavery was like a cancer that spread through the United States around 1619, and ended about 1865. This era was filled with many horror stories, stories of human triumph and pride. At that time society didn’t view slavery as a problem, but few great people saw it as a disgrace to human beings and went against it. From this group, few people stood out that were responsible for closing this dark chapter of history. They made a major impact, and tainted our way of life for the better. Seasons change, and time passes, one can not change the past, but only to learn from the struggles and conflicts of interests between the individuals and the society, for the hope of a better tomorrow.

At about the same time of the American Revolution, abolitionists started appearing around America. They felt that majority of slaves were being treated inhumanely and tortured. They felt that their cause is a moral argument. Even though majority of people thought slavery was acceptable, some felt that slavery was a violation of Declaration of Independence, and others believed slavery was a sin that had to be corrected right away. Inconsiderate responses of the salve-owners, and the society, forced a few abolitionists to act out in extreme measures, but the majority used peaceful protest methods. Fanatics went to extremes of killing the opposition, while others peacefully handed out pamphlets and flyers in protest. One fanatic abolitionist who, many people thought, just went too far is a man named John Brown. He has been called a saint, a fanatic, and a cold-blooded murderer. Brown dedicated his life to the abolition of slavery. He was prepared to kill or to be killed in his effort. Brown and five of his sons became involved in the struggle between proslavery and anti-slavery forces for control of the territorial government in Kansas. On May 24, 1856, Brown, four of his sons, and two other followers invaded the Pottawatomie River country and killed five helpless settlers. From then on, Brown became even more preoccupied with abolishing slavery. By 1858 he had convinced a number of abolitionists to finance his efforts. Hoping to establish a base in the mountains to which slaves could flee, he decided to attack Harpers Ferry. On Oct. 16, 1859, they seized the town that occupied the federal arsenal. The town soon surrounded by local militia, and the next day, federal troops under Robert E. Lee arrived at Harpers Ferry. Ten of Brown’s army died in the battle, and Brown himself was wounded, arrested, and charged with treason. Brown was hung on Dec. 2, 1859. Brown’s acts of resistance against proslavery forces brought him national attention. To many, he became an abolitionist hero, but not everyone. Even som

Some topics in this essay:
John Brown, Abraham Lincoln, Declaration Independence, Ten Brown’s, Emancipation Garrison, American Anti-slave, Underground Road’s, William Garrison’s, Lydia Maria, Pottawatomie River, john brown, individuals society, emancipation slaves, conflicts individuals society, lydia maria, conflicts individuals, harriet tubman, dark chapter, wendell philips, american history, dark chapter history, society hope tomorrow, individuals society hope, civil war,