Debate with History!

We don't have a time machine yet but we have the next best thing. Imagine your students getting the chance to talk to an historical figure like Captain John Brown. This character actor from the Smithsonian gave the teachers the chance to debate and argue and agree and disagree with this famous (or notorious) figure from our history.

 

"Violence is never the answer!" argues the teacher.

"Oh really? George Washington used more violent means than I did and you call him a hero." counters John Brown.

     

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VcoIkUIUS6s

Full Screen
Primary Resources
John Brown's trial divided the nation, which started arguments, which started the Civil War, which ended slavery. Does this mean that John Brown is a hero and a martyr or is there more to the story?
 


Combining resources for a very powerful lesson.

Thinkfintiy + SAS Curriculum Pathways (QL#33).

Abraham Lincoln does NOT agree with John Brown.

Do you?

Put John Brown on Trial in your Classroom!

Introduction: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TleJqwUoLYs

What happened at Harpers Ferry?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1Y8Se4ihNo

What happened in Kansas?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnxlUxoJZuI

Was John Brown a religious zealot?:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jr-iKUY7xH4

Is violence against the government ever justified?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzLsvrC3kEs

Why didn’t John Brown use nonviolence?:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7Mr21DqH1M

Was John Brown a murderer?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g_aCkzl6ZU

Was John Brown insane?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=od-dZJg2X5s

Would slavery have ended anyway?:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFaPI9E-UVg

Closing Statement 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3PX3nQ2b0U

Ending 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIdt0GOUJFs