John Brown vs. Robert E. Lee

Attribute	John Brown	Robert E. Lee
Birthdate	May 9, 1800	January 19, 1807
Place of Birth	Torrington, Connecticut	Stratford Hall, Virginia
Occupation	Abolitionist	Confederate General
Role in Civil War	Participated in the raid on Harpers Ferry	Commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia
Beliefs on Slavery	Advocated for armed insurrection to end slavery	Owned slaves but opposed secession

Background

John Brown and Robert E. Lee were two prominent figures in American history during the mid-19th century. Brown was an abolitionist who believed in using violence to end slavery, while Lee was a Confederate general who fought to preserve the institution of slavery. Despite their differing beliefs and actions, both men played significant roles in shaping the course of the Civil War.

Early Life

John Brown was born in 1800 in Connecticut and grew up in a devoutly religious family. He was raised with strong anti-slavery beliefs and was deeply influenced by his father's abolitionist views. Brown's early life was marked by financial struggles, but he eventually became involved in various anti-slavery activities, including helping runaway slaves escape to freedom.

Robert E. Lee, on the other hand, was born in 1807 in Virginia into a prominent slaveholding family. He attended West Point and served in the U.S. Army for many years before resigning to join the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Lee was known for his military prowess and leadership skills, which earned him the respect of his troops and fellow officers.

Beliefs and Actions

John Brown's beliefs in the abolition of slavery were so strong that he was willing to resort to violence to achieve his goals. In 1859, he led a raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in an attempt to start a slave rebellion. The raid was unsuccessful, and Brown was captured and later executed for his actions. Despite the failure of his raid, Brown's actions were seen as a catalyst for the Civil War.

Robert E. Lee, on the other hand, believed in the preservation of slavery and the Confederate way of life. He led the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia during the Civil War and won several key battles, including the Battle of Chancellorsville and the Battle of Fredericksburg. Lee's military strategies were highly regarded, but his decision to fight for the Confederacy has been a source of controversy and criticism.

Legacy

John Brown's legacy as an abolitionist and martyr for the anti-slavery cause has endured over the years. He is often remembered as a hero by those who support the abolition of slavery and civil rights. Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry is seen as a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the Civil War and has been the subject of numerous books, films, and other works of art.

Robert E. Lee's legacy is more complicated due to his association with the Confederacy and the institution of slavery. While he is still revered by some as a brilliant military leader, others view him as a symbol of the Confederacy's defense of slavery and white supremacy. In recent years, there has been a renewed debate over the removal of Confederate monuments and statues, including those of Lee.

Conclusion

In conclusion, John Brown and Robert E. Lee were two influential figures in American history who held opposing beliefs and took different actions during the Civil War era. Brown's commitment to the abolition of slavery through violent means and Lee's defense of the Confederacy and slavery have left lasting legacies that continue to be debated and discussed today. Despite their differences, both men played significant roles in shaping the course of American history during a tumultuous period of conflict and change.