What was a key objective of John Brown's raid at Harper's Ferry?

The key objective of John Brown's raid at Harper's Ferry was to lead a slave rebellion. Brown aimed to incite an uprising among enslaved people by seizing weapons from the federal armory at Harper's Ferry, Virginia. He believed that with adequate firearms and support, enslaved individuals would rise against their oppressors, ultimately leading to liberation from slavery.

Brown's intentions were rooted in his strong abolitionist beliefs, as he viewed armed resistance as a necessary action against the institution of slavery. This radical approach was part of his larger strategy to end slavery in the United States through direct and violent action, which he thought would inspire enslaved people across the South to revolt. Although the raid did not succeed and led to Brown's capture and execution, it played a significant role in heightening tensions between the North and South, further polarizing the nation leading up to the Civil War.