The 1850s was a tumultuous decade in American history. Animosity over the divisive issue of slavery grew, and the nations slipped closer to violence. What events do you think are most representative of the tumultuous decade of the 1850s? Identify and describe at least 3 events and discuss why you feel they are representative of this time of divisiveness and growing animosity.
Who was John Brown? Why was this figure viewed as a hero by many of Americans, and as a villain by others? How is John Brown representative of the growing animosity related to the issue of slavery?