Increased Support for Abolitionism:
- John Brown's actions and his willingness to die for the cause of ending slavery inspired many Northerners and convinced them of the urgency of the abolitionist movement.
- His raid on Harpers Ferry raised awareness of the injustices of slavery and strengthened the resolve of Northern abolitionists to fight for immediate emancipation.
Martyrdom and Cultural Influence:
- Brown's execution turned him into a martyr in the eyes of many Northerners. His last words - "I, John Brown, am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood" - became a rallying cry for abolitionists.
- The image of Brown as a courageous, principled fighter against slavery was disseminated through newspapers, pamphlets, and engravings, solidifying his iconic status.
Growing Sectional Hostility:
- Brown's actions and execution exacerbated the hostility between the North and the South. Southerners viewed Brown as a violent fanatic, and his raid heightened their apprehension about Northern interference with slavery.
- Northerners, on the other hand, perceived Brown as a heroic martyr who sacrificed his life for the cause of justice and freedom. His martyrdom created further resentment towards the South and its defense of slavery.
Prelude to Civil War:
- The Harpers Ferry raid and Brown's execution intensified the rift between North and South, making any reconciliation between the two regions increasingly difficult.
- Brown's actions contributed to the rising tensions that ultimately led to the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861.