- Outrage and anger: Southerners were outraged by John Brown's raid, viewing it as an act of violence and terrorism against their society and way of life. They condemned Brown's actions as a violation of state sovereignty and a threat to the institution of slavery.
- Calls for stricter laws: In the aftermath of the raid, Southern states enacted stricter laws to suppress abolitionist activities. These laws included the expansion of slave patrols, increased penalties for aiding or harboring escaped slaves, and restrictions on free speech and assembly.
- Increased support for secession: Brown's raid intensified the growing sectional tensions between the North and South and contributed to the growing support for secession among Southerners. Many saw the raid as further evidence that the North was hostile to Southern interests and that the only way to protect their way of life was to leave the Union.
Northern Response:
- Mixed reactions: Northern reaction to John Brown's raid was mixed. Some abolitionists and radical Republicans praised Brown's actions as a heroic attempt to end slavery, while others condemned them as reckless and counterproductive. Many Northerners were caught between their opposition to slavery and their concerns about violence and the rule of law.
- Political impact: Brown's raid had a significant impact on Northern politics. It further alienated moderate Northerners who were concerned about the growing radicalism of the abolitionist movement. The raid also strengthened the position of the Republican Party, which was seen as a more moderate alternative to the radical abolitionists.
- Heightened tensions: The raid increased tensions between the North and South and contributed to the growing sense of crisis leading to the Civil War. It hardened positions on both sides and made it more difficult to find a compromise that would preserve the Union.