Question

What statement best explains why John Brown’s raid failed to unite forces that opposed slavery?

Northerners and southerners were not ready to resort to violence to abolish slavery.

Northerners all believed that John Brown's raid was a mistake.

Republicans did not have enough political support to defeat slavery yet.

Southerners refused to react at all to rumors of a conspiracy against slavery.

Answer 1

The correct answer is Northerners and Southerners were not ready to resort to violence to abolish slavery.

At the time of the raid, 1859, Americans in the North and South were constantly trying to find peaceful way to resolve their conflicts regarding the expansion of the institution of slavery. Congress had made several deals that would avoid violence. This included the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

All of these shows Americans dedication to avoid war. However, John Brown felt that the only way to get rid of the evil institution of slavery was through violence. This is why his raid on harper's ferry was not successful, as only a few hundred people supported his radical idea.

Answer 2

The correct option is Northerners and southerners were not ready to resort to violence to abolish slavery.

John Brown’s raid failed to unite forces as he was considered a fanatical abolitionist and people were not prepared to join such a movement in the fight against slavery