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Such a Machiavellian question can only be decided on an individual basis. John Brown was not alone in advocating a more violent end to slavery, but many historians feel he's one of the most significant. Ultimately, as your question hinted at, the question becomes "Do the ends justify the means?" Was Lincoln justified in suspending Habeus Corpus? Was America justified in dropping the atomic bombs on Japan? That may not be much help, but it's difficult to decide what is "justified."

If you're interested in reading more about John Brown, I would recommend John Brown, Abolitionist by David Reynolds.

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13y ago

What else can I help you with?