Who led a slave revolt at Harpers Ferry?

John Brown led the slave revolt at Harpers Ferry in 1859. His primary objective was to initiate an armed slave rebellion by seizing the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia). Brown, a staunch abolitionist, believed that violent action was necessary to overthrow the institution of slavery in the United States. His raid aimed not only to arm enslaved individuals but also to inspire other slaves to rise against their oppressors and ultimately sought to create a haven for them in the mountains.

Although Brown's raid was ultimately unsuccessful and he was captured, tried, and executed, it heightened tensions between the North and South and became a significant event leading up to the Civil War. His actions and the subsequent media coverage contributed to the growing national debate over slavery and fueled abolitionist sentiments in the North while provoking fear and anger in the South.

The other individuals mentioned in the choices were not involved in the Harpers Ferry raid. Charles Sumner was a prominent abolitionist senator known for his speeches and the caning incident in the Senate, William Yancey was a Confederate politician and advocate for secession, and Preston Brooks was known for his violent attack on Sumner on the Senate floor.