In this lesson, students will share their thoughts on slavery, examine how our country dealt with this institution, consider how both pro-slavery elements and abolitionists looked at slavery and why, and learn a little about John Brown’s early life - in particular, his activities out in Kansas in the years 1855 – 1857. Students will then be able to answer the following essential question: What was slavery like in the antebellum United States?
Recommended level: Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade