Final answer:
The trial of John Brown intensified the division between the North and the South. The North shifted from criticism to a level of veneration of Brown as a martyr against Southern power, while the South solidified in their view of him as a terrorist, leading to increased mistrust and polarized attitudes that set the stage for the Civil War.
Step-by-step explanation:
Division Over John Brown's Trial
The country was deeply divided over John Brown’s trial following his raid on Harpers Ferry. In the North, initial criticism gave way to a grudging respect, leading to some viewing Brown as a martyr, particularly after his composed demeanor during the trial and execution. James McPherson notes that Brown "understood his martyr role and cultivated it." Public opinion shifted with northerners advocating for a stronger stance against Southern power rather than slavery itself.
In contrast, the South viewed Brown as a terrorist threatening their way of life. The trial ignited further support for secession, as southern states feared other violent plots against slavery. An investigation into Northern support for Brown's raid was called, and unity in the South strengthened. No slaves joined Brown’s cause, a fact that provided some comfort alongside a federal defense of slavery. Southerners sought to punish anyone within their region who opposed slavery after the raid.
The outcome of John Brown's trial and execution highlighted the escalating tensions and contributed to the polarization that would eventually lead to the Civil War. His actions and the subsequent division served as a precursor to the Road to Secession and the intensification of the national debate around slavery.