Final answer:
Among present-day historians, views on John Brown, a key figure in the anti-slavery movement in the US, are diverse. He is seen by some as a hero, while others perceive him as a terrorist due to his violent tactics. Contemporary historians typically acknowledge the complexity of figures like Brown.
Step-by-step explanation:
The prevailing perspective of present-day historians regarding John Brown is best represented by statement C: Present-day historians hold diverse views about John Brown, with some considering him a hero and others viewing him as a terrorist. This is because, contemporary historical analysis typically acknowledges the complexity of figures like Brown, rather than categorizing them broadly as wholly heroic or entirely villainous. John Brown, who led an armed insurrection against slavery in the United States shortly before the Civil War, is a particularly controversial figure. For some, he's a heroic martyr who stood up against a deeply unjust institution; for others, he's a violent extremist whose tactics undermine his cause.
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