Social Studies:

• KH8B3I4: Describe role of important individuals
  during territorial period (e.g., John Brown)
• KH8B8I3 8: Examine and analyze historical
  documents.

Others:

Reading 7-S1B4I11: Explain the relationship
between elements of author’s style and his purpose
for writing the text.
Writing 7-S3B9I1 & 2: Write a descriptive or
narrative piece.

Knowledge:

• John Brown believed violence was justified if it
  made Kansas a free state.
• John Brown made a personal commitment to the
  abolitionist cause.

Skills:

• Primary source
• Evaluate a written source
• Writing
• Retelling

• What actions did John Brown take to support his
  abolitionist beliefs?
• What sacrifices did John Brown make in his
  efforts to make Kansas a free state?

• worksheet analysis of the John Brown letter
• class discussion
• newspaper article writing assignment

1. Introduce theme of Kansas Territory, free-state, the struggle over the slavery issue.
2. Introduce students to John Brown with the “Student Reading” worksheet.
3. Explore Brown’s actions and personal commitment to the abolitionist cause in Kansas Territory with the
   worksheet “John Brown Speaks.”
4. Using the focus questions for this lesson, lead a discussion about the students’ exploration of John Brown
   through this letter from John Brown to his family, September 7, 1856.
5. The Battle of Osawatomie propelled John Brown to national recognition as accounts of it appeared in
   newspapers throughout the nation. Have students write a newspaper article about the Battle of
   Osawatomie from John Brown’s perspective.