Question

after john browns attempted rebellion of enslaved people, even americans who were opposed to slavery were divided about his actions. read the following arguments. decide whether each argument would most likely come from an anti-slavery person who supported or from one who opposed john browns actions.
argument supported john browns actions opposed john browns actions
john browns actions will give the anti-slavery movement a bad name. this attack will make it harder to gain new supporters
john brown is a good man fighting an evil system. evil laws need to be opposed in every possible way, including through violence.
enslaved people constantly suffer violence. enslaved people should rebel against slaveholders.
the rule of law holds society together. its wrong to break the law, even for a good cause.
submit

Explanation:

1. The argument that Brown's actions harm the anti-slavery movement reflects opposition to his tactics, as it frames his actions as counterproductive to the cause.
2. Framing Brown as a moral figure using violence against an evil system shows support for his militant anti-slavery actions.
3. Advocating for enslaved people to rebel aligns with support for Brown's armed rebellion against slavery.
4. Emphasizing the rule of law over breaking it for a cause indicates opposition to Brown's illegal, violent actions.

Answer:

1. John Brown's actions will give the anti-slavery movement a bad name. This attack will make it harder to gain new supporters → Opposed John Brown's actions
2. John Brown is a good man fighting an evil system. Evil laws need to be opposed in every possible way, including through violence. → Supported John Brown's actions
3. Enslaved people constantly suffer violence. Enslaved people should rebel against slaveholders. → Supported John Brown's actions
4. The rule of law holds society together. It's wrong to break the law, even for a good cause. → Opposed John Brown's actions