The definition by the US Government for Terrorism

First please read page 254 in your text on John Brown in Kansas and then on 258 in your text the story of John Brown and the Raid on Harper’s Ferry

Group Discussion-

In today’s warfare we have come to know the term “Terrorism”….but in 1859, this term was not common….

The definition by the US Government for Terrorism

“[An] act of terrorism, means any activity that (A) involves a violent act or an act dangerous to human life that is a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or any State, or that would be a criminal violation if committed within the jurisdiction of the United States or of any State; and (B) appears to be intended (i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (iii) to affect the conduct of a government by assassination or kidnapping.”

(United States Code Congressional and Administrative News, 98th Congress, Second Session, 1984, Oct. 19, volume 2; par. 3077, 98 STAT. 2707 [West Publishing Co., 1984])
Our federal government has recorded in American History that John Brown is the First American Terrorist…because of his actions in Kansas and Virginia.

Please read this article by Paul Finkelman….John Brown..America’s First Terrorist?

Discussion question-

Based on the facts, the definition and what you know about Terrorism…. was JOHN BROWN America’s first Terrorist? Why or why not?
And please respond to a minimum of 2 other peers.

It seems the Internet has many blogs and articles on the question whether JOHN BROWN should be considered a terrorist or a hero..

Here are some articles found on the Internet discussing  our question for the follow up task?

John Brown: Hero or Terrorist?

John Brown: Domestic Terrorist or National Hero?

Was-anti-slave-vigilante-john-brown-a-terrorist-or-a-true-hero?

John Brown: Villain or Hero? by Steven Mintz