Final answer:
At the age of 12, John Brown witnessed a slave being beaten, which significantly influenced his views on slavery and led to his strong abolitionist stance.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the age of 12, John Brown witnessed a slave being beaten by his owner. This incident had a profound impact on him and shaped his attitudes toward slavery. It made him despise the institution and fueled his desire to fight against it. Brown's experience at a young age helped him develop a strong abolitionist stance and eventually led him to become a prominent figure in the fight against slavery.
Learn more about John Brown's attitudes toward slavery