Virginia V. John Brown - Mock Trial

"We are two peoples. We are a people for Freedom and a people for slavery. Between the two, conflict is inevitable."

Is conflict inevitable?  John Brown tested this theory, but was he a Zealot or Terrorist?  Was he a Hero or the Villain?  Were John Brown's actions just or unjust?  

Students get to analyze both sides of this famous American abolitionist by putting John Brown on trial for his actions during the raid of Harpers Ferry through this fun Common Core activity. Students will analyze primary and secondary sources and fall into character in order to reenact the Virginia v. Brown Case.  Students will become lawyers, witnesses, and jury as they determine once and for all if Brown is the hero which began the movement to end slavery in the United States or a terrorist rising against the American Government.