Evaluation essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Evaluation - Essay Example For the potential buyers of these cars, this price difference should not be a consideration, provided they are satisfied with other features of the car. A clear advantage with the Camry range is that there are five different variant models on offer, with Hybrid varieties too made available to the customer, although this could cost an additional $5,000 on the basic model. The Honda Accord on the other hand Honda Accords comes in just two models. Moving on to other features of the cars, the Toyota Camry models score more points for their superior aesthetics and visual appeal. For example, the Camry has a rounded exterior, with a clean, tidy look which would appeal to buyers from the professional classes. Honda Accord, in contrast, has elements of a sports car, with sleeker and pointed exteriors, suggesting that the car would appeal to young car enthusiasts rather than older, higher income demographic groups. The Honda Accord Coupe has a 268-horsepower engine (V-6), takes lesser time to go from 0 to 60 and offers better fuel efficiency system, along with a lower center of gravity structure and â€Å"independent multi-link rear suspension†, which is supposed to provide greater control over the car. The Camry models too offer V-6 engines and greater car stability features, not by default but as additional options, which translates into more expenses for the customer. Both cars offer deluxe and comfortable leather interiors. As for safety features such as airbags, seatbelts, etc, both cars are similar. In other words, the safety and performance features of both cars meet standard expectations. Hence, neither car is overall better than the other. The final choice of a customer will depend on his/her age, location (urban, rural, etc), income, marital status, etc. Young men, who are not yet married, will more likely go for the Honda Accord Coupe, for its

Access Database Essay Example for Free

Access Database Essay Problem: Create a computerised relational database using Microsoft Access for a library close by because the library has too many papers and lose many of them, so they want a database that solves all their problems. Users: The Librarian will be going to use the database, and the assistance will also use it, the assistance might not be an expert so the assistance must take classes on how to use the database because it has to be used carefully. I will also make it user friendly Objectives: * Must have more than one table (entity) to create relationships * Each table has a primary key to uniquely identify each record * Each table is linked through primary/foreign keys * The database will be normalised so each table has its appropriate data * Create Forms to gather data/reduce mistakes * Create Queries to search for data * Create Reports to show the output from your queries * Make database user friendly so it can be used * To show the stock of the videos in the library * Age group of videos Alternative solutions: I could have used a flat file database or Microsoft Excel but I used a Computerised relational database because if I use flat file database there will be lots of paper, too much space will be used unnecessarily and too much to carry. And I couldnt use Microsoft Excel because the librarian doesnt have that software so I used Microsoft Access. Software: The database managing system is Microsoft Access and the desktop publishing is Microsoft Word in this very project. Hardware: In this project, I will use a Windows Based PC because all computers in School support them, I will also use a Printer to print out all evidence and paper work. I will also use a memory stick as a backup for my project so if it is lost I always have my memory stick. Security: For security I will save my work regularly so this would reduce the risk of it not being saved. I will also save it in several places for example: school computer, computer at home and USB. This will make sure I wont lose my work. I will also regularly print out pages of the project, this will assure the examiner I have done the project, and this will come very handy if all my work is lost. Input method: I will input data in design view using Microsoft Access to create tables, fields. And when my system will be complete, when I hand it over to my customers they will input data via the forms (in fields) Output method: The output is when you run a Query on a PC, its result or output will come onto a report, that is that is the output method. Process: When query runs it searches fro a database that is an example of a process. Verify: Verification is the process of checking that input data is correct. It is normally carried out by a human who visually compares the data with the source document. To site check, is an example of verification. For example, to check that the fields work. Validate: Verification is the process of checking that input data is correct. It is normally carried out by a human who visually compares the data with the source document. Input masks, is an example of validation. Questionnaire 1. What do you think I could improve in my hand drawn plans? 2. What do you think is good in my hand drawn plans? 3. Do you think my database looks user-friendly, if not why? 4. What do you think of the layout of my hand drawn plans? 5. Is the colour combination used good, is the style of the page good? 6. Overall, what do you think of the hand drawn plans, should I redo do them, or keep it as it is? 7. Out of a rating of 5 being the highest, what do you rate this database? Test Plan OBJECTIVES TEST * Must have more than one table (entity) to create relationships I will check that the relationships work because if they work that means I have more than one table * Each table has a primary key to uniquely identify each record I will check that the primary key is working in Microsoft Access * Each table is linked through primary/foreign keys I will check that I connect the Invoice table with Customer and Video table and check it in E-R diagram * The database will be normalised so each table has its appropriate data I will check that each table has its own headings so that it is user friendly and will check it in design view * Create Forms to gather data/reduce mistakes I will open the forms and check if they work properly in Microsoft Access * Create Queries to search for data I will open the queries and check if they work properly in Microsoft Access * Create Reports to show the output from your queries I will open the reports and check if they work properly in Microsoft Access * Make database user friendly so it can be used I will ask people about my database by giving them a questionnaire, if they think it user friendly * To show the stock of the videos in the library I will check in my forms that there is a field for the stock of the videos * Age group of videos I will check in my forms that there is a field for age group of videos Objectives What should happen? What actually happened? 1. Must have more than one table (entity) to create relationships The tables should have relationships + must work They worked as I expected them to 2. Each table has a primary key to uniquely identify each record The table has a primary key, the main one The tables didnt work because it had no primary key 3. Each table is linked through primary/foreign keys The tables should be linked through primary keys They worked as I expected them to 4. The database will be normalised so each table has its appropriate data The tables should have its appropriate fields according to their table They all had the appropriate fields 5. Create Forms to gather data/reduce mistakes When I open the forms they should work and look like the ones as I designed them to be They did work but did not like the ones I designed 6. Create Queries to search for data When I open the queries they should work and look like the ones as I designed them to be They worked as I expected 7. Create Reports to show the output from your queries When I open the reports they should work and look like the ones as I designed them to be They did work but did not like the ones I designed 8. Make database user friendly so it can be used From user feedback they should tell me its user friendly From user feedback I got told that my database is user friendly 9. To show the stock of the videos in the library When I open the library, there should be a field called Stock of Videos There was not the field, which I wanted 10. Age group of videos There should be a field called Age group of videos in video form There was the field, which I wanted Testing Table 11. To have a customized When I open up database A switch board did Switch board customized switch board not open up should open up Evaluation of objectives * Must have more than one table (entity) to create relationships I kept more than one table, in order to input more data. With more tables, there could be more forms. More different subjects, and so the database can be made. The main reason was so I can create relationships. The reason for the relationships are so I can relate or link the tables with each other. This is very helpful. For example: I can add the field name Customer_ID from the Customer form, and the field name Video_ID from the Video form to the Invoice from. In the end, I managed to achieve the objective. * Each table has a primary key to uniquely identify each record Each table has to have a primary key to uniquely identify each record because without it the table would not work, they are also needed for relationships, if you want to create relationships between several tables. At first it did not work but later after many attempts I achieved the objective. * Each table is linked through primary/foreign keys All the tables are supposed to be linked through the primary/foreign keys or else they will not work. I did this on the E-R diagram and also did it on the database and I achieved the objective. * The database will be normalised so each table has its appropriate data I normalised the data, for each table. I did 3 normalisations. In the first one, I just kept any field names I thought would be useful in my database. In the second one, I put them in tables and in third normalisation I took out the extra field names that were not relevant. Most of it was good; except one field name was wrong, I edited it and achieved the objective. * Create Forms to gather data/reduce mistakes I created forms for the database so I can input data. Then I created them at first they did not work, but later I fixed them and achieved the objective. * Create Queries to search for data I created queries for the database so I can search for data and they worked the first time I tried. I achieved the objective. * Create Reports to show the output from your queries I created reports to show the output and it can be very helpful to the customer or librarian. At first when I created the reports, they were not same as my hand drawn plans, but then in edited them again and I achieved the objective. * Make database user friendly so it can be used I made the database user friendly so it is easy to navigate. And I achieved the objective. * To show the stock of the videos in the library I made the field name of stock of videos in the library, at first the field was missing but then I added the field name and achieved the objective. * Age group of videos To show the field name of age group of videos and I achieved the objective. To have a customized switchboard At start it did not open up, but then I achieved the objective. Data Collection In this project data will be collected in different kinds of forms. The invoice form, the customer form and the video form. The librarian will give the customer the customer form for him or her to fill in. For the invoice form and video form the librarian will be expected to fill in the data for those forms. There will also be reports and queries made for some the data. Designs Explained I have kept my forms very user friendly so it easy for the librarian, the assistant and for the customer to use. For the forms I have kept a simple colour combination. In the forms, in the fields the background colour is yellow and the handwriting colour is blue because yellow and blue go well with each other, the colours are also bright and easy to read. For filling in the data, in those blocks the background colour will be red and the handwriting colour will be black because red and black are a good colour combination and will be easy to read. I have kept the handwriting size fairly big so it is easy for the customer and librarian to read or fill in. I have decided to use the font Arial because it is very clear and big. Also for the field names I have decided to keep them bold because they are very important. My reports are also very user friendly and attractive. User feedback From the user feedback I have decided to keep my hand drawn plans as my final designs because of the feedback I got. They have said everything in my hand drawn plans is good. They also said it is very user friendly, clear and the colour combination used goes very well together. However, one person said to add buttons and maybe an image. So I decided to add a video cover image and buttons to all my hand drawn plans.

How Standard English Differs From Malaysian English English Language Essay

How Standard English Differs From Malaysian English English Language Essay Communication is one of the most important aspects in our everyday activity. In fact, most of the activities we do are directly or indirectly related to communication. More than 300 million people in the world speak English and the rest sometimes seem to or are trying to. At the same time, English is spoken in many different varieties in dependence to the country, as what it is known throughout as the World Englishes. The British introduced English to Malaysia more than two centuries ago. It became the most important language for generations and it is often associated with power and prestige. However, in post-British era, when Malaysia became independent in 1957, English was made the second language in conjunction with the promotion of Bahasa Malaysia as the national language. Then, in the 1990s, spurred by the governments objective to push the nation into globalization, the importance of English increased. Today, Malaysians speak Standard English and Malaysian English. But here what is actually meant by Standard English and Malaysian English and how exactly it differs? What actually counts the Standard English will depend on both the locality and the particular varieties that Standard English is being contrasted with.  As a whole, Standard English is also known as Standard Written English or SWE, is the form of English most widely accepted as being clear and proper. It is regarded as the most appropriate and most commonly used form of English around the world and is acknowledged as the model of speech and writing of educated speakers. While on the other hand, Manglish is a Malaysian speaking style, just like the Singaporean English, Singlish. This is a distorted use of English that is mainly spoken between the locals and sometimes is also referred to as a rojak language. So, how is Standard English differs from Malaysian English? In Malaysia, we regard Malaysian English as bahasa rojak. (Johnleemk, 8 Mac 2007). Rojak is a malay word, loosely translated actually means a mixture of. Same goes to in Malaysian context. We regard our English as rojak English. Malaysians, are very lucky to have many different races speaking many different languages and still staying together peacefully under one nation. The variety known as Malaysian English has, among various factors, the local languages as one of the ingredients that colour this variety. These local languages mentioned being basically Malay, Chinese and Tamil. Such indigenized varieties are most often used in an informal communicative variety. This means  using  the English language with a mixture of the Malay words, Chinese dialects and Tamil. For example, in an informal communication, people more often than not used the word lah , aaah and aiyoo. Lah is used to emphasise, Aaah is usually followed by a question mark and Aiyoo is often accompanied by the excl aimation mark. For example, Aiyoo, why you so late one huh? and faster lah. This kind of Manglish spoken sentences are only understood by Malaysians and not tourists. Recently, I read an article where, an English spoken tourist who came to Malaysia commented on the Malaysian English. It sounds curiously like English, but I couldnt understand what was being said. How is the tourist going to understand if the English is spoken in this manner, My car, 4 months never pay. The finance people are going to pull already. Myself, where got money. Aiyoo! Die lah like that. This actually means I have not paid up my car installments in 4 months. The finance company is going to reposess it soon. I dont have the money. Argh! Im done for. The main point on how Malaysian English differs from Standard English is the words spoken which are used in the speaking of English language. In Standard English we use words which can be understood by everyone whereby in Malaysian English, we mix all the languag e into English whereby only Malaysians can understand the whole meaning of the sentence. Besides that, Standard English differs from Malaysian English in terms of pronunciations of words. As I have explained in the above context, Malaysia is a well diverse country with the Malaysians speaking many different dialects. So, English is a second language in this country. If compared to the British, the one main language spoken there is English. Here, in Malaysia, the English spoken here is mixed with many different dialects spoken by the different ethnics in Malaysia. Thus, one thing we need to bear in mind here that most of the pronunciations mistake relates to mother tongue interference. For example, this piece is taken from the Start Online, There are many points in Hussainis article that I can comment on, but Ill just choose two examples he gave as wrong pronunciation of English words, head and said, which he claimed were mispronounced as had and sad.  The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English  and other mainstream dictionaries give the pronunciation of the words as /hed/ and /sed/, using the International Phonetic Alphabet system and hence they would actually sound almost like had and sad but with shorter vowel sounds. Perhaps Hussaini thought head should sound like /heÄ ±t/ and said like /seÄ ±d/, which are actually Malaysian English pronunciation of the words. Some other words Malaysian pronounce differently are their (Malaysians read it as thee-ya but its actually is there) , Wednesday ( Malaysians pronounce it as wed-nes-day but its actually wenz-day), question ( Malaysians read as ques-tion but its actually ques-chen), procedure ( Malaysians pronounce it as prou-si-dear but it is pre-si-jer) and many other words. At the same time, In Malaysian English, the last syllable of a word is sometimes not pronounced with the strength that it would be in British English. So, here we can see Malaysian English differs in terms of pronunciation of words, whereby it is mostly affected by the interference of the different dialects in Mal aysia. Standard English also differs from Malaysian English in terms of grammar. There are many Manglish grammatical structures taken from Chinese dialects and many claim that the structure is also borrowed from the malay language. For example, the phrase Why you so like that one? in standard English it means Why are you behaving in that way. In Cantonese, a similar phrase would be rendered as Dà ­mgà ¡ai nà ©ih gà ¡m ge? or literally Why you like that? The one in the sample phrase does not literally mean the numeral one; instead it is used more as a suffix device. It is also sometimes rendered as wan.One other characteristic is  anastrophe  and omission of certain prepositions and articles. For example I havent seen you in a long time in standard English becomes Long time no see in Malaysian English. Not only are those, even to the certain extent the words used in Standard English and Malaysian English also different. With the variety of influences Malaysian English is gradually fo rming its own vocabulary. Typically, these words are based on other English words but most of the time the Malaysian speaker is unaware that these words are not the words from the standard use of English or even from British or American English. For example, one of the most used words in Malaysia is hand phone but it is actually a mobile phone or a cell phone. Malaysian use brinjal, but the right use of that vegetable is eggplant or Aubergine, the standard word for MC is actually sick note and gostan which is used in Malaysia is actually reverse or to go backwards in Standard English. Moreover, some of the same words found in Standard English and Malaysian English have different meaning. For example, bungalow. In Standard English it means a small house or cottage usually having a single storey and sometimes an additional attic story that is free standing, i.e. not conjoined with another unit. But in Malaysian English it means a mansion for the rich and/or famous; or a fully detached house, regardless of the number of floors it has. (absolute astronomy). Currently, many different English varieties, which are called World Englishes, are spoken all over the world. Malaysian English, one of the World Englishes, has an important role as an inter-ethnic lingua franca in the Malaysian community. Since language is closely related to identity, even if the Malaysian government carries on the language policy which ignores the relationship between language and identity, the policy will have little effect on Malaysian language use and attitudes. At the same time, I believe that it is not wrong using Malaysian English, we should always minimize the usage and avoid speaking Malaysian English in formal situation. On the other hand, standard English should always be uphold and given the highest priority as English is becoming the highest medium of communication everywhere around the world. Thus, the difference between Malaysian English and Standard English can be lessened if there is a commitment from every individual to improve the standard of Engl ish in Malaysia.

Shakespeares Presentation of Shylock in The Merchant of Venice Essay

Shakespeare's Presentation of Shylock in The Merchant of Venice This essay is an analysis of how the character of Shylock, in the play 'The Merchant of Venice', is presented to the audience, by Shakespeare, in different ways. The riveting play shows the best and worst aspects of human nature and contains one of Shakespeare's most reviled, complex and compelling characters. Love and romance end this play, yet before that come bigotry, racism, hatred, death threats and money-especially the money. The dramatic courtroom scene and Shylock's cruel downfall will challenge your heart and your sense of justice. Shylock is a successful Jewish moneylender, who is filled with bitter words for the Christians, much prejudiced over his own religion and the practice of moneylenders, such as himself, of charging interest. Shylocks of the past and present have been portrayed in different ways on screen and in the theatre. He has been played by Anthony Sher, John Woodvine, Ralph Richardson, Dustin Hoffman, John Gielgud and Barrie Rutter. Each of the actors has tried to show him in either his best or his worst possible light. In some interpretations of 'The Merchant of Venice', the technique that the directors use is to cut a lot of Shylock's original lines to make him seem less harsh and more undeserving of all the hatred that the people around him give him constantly. In most cases, the intensity of the performances, of the actors playing Shylock, go towards getting his character across to the audience. In the play, religion seems to be inextricably connected with business Shakespeare puts Shylock in a bad situation as soon as his char... ...ery valid observation in that speech. He was trying to point out that humans are all the same, no matter what they believe in, we are all born, living and are eventually going to die in very much the same ways, so why can't he have his revenge? The desire of revenge is almost inseparable from the sense of wrong and we can hardly help sympathising with the Shylock, hidden beneath his "Jewish gabardine," his madness by repeated, undeserved name calling and labouring to get rid of the obstructions, from opportunities and freedom, heaped upon him and all his tribe by one desperate act of 'lawful' revenge. The ferociousness of the means by which he is to carry out his purpose, turn us against him. Even so, when disappointed of the revenge on which he built his hopes and the way he is punished for his actions, we pity him.

Latin American Art Essay

Art is a form of expression. Paintings are a form of visual art. Artists are the creators of visual forms of communication and their art works speak out what is in their hearts and minds. Art in any form, music, sculpture or dance is nonetheless a language of the soul of the artist. Art of a period is a depiction and impact of the social, political, religious, cultural, traditional, geographical and social system prevalent at the time. Like the transformation of a person through circumstances and experience, paintings too exhibit change in their character in form, subject, and choice of colors, technique and style. Latin American art grew through the age of ancient folklore, to a combination of modernism; to rebel against imperialism, colonialism, terrorism and dominance of the western world ; surpassing the turbulence played by history with the Latin American countries. They were plundered and conquered innumerable times and till today they fight for their identity which is dissolving into the global world. The name of Mexican Artist Diego Rivera is famous as the master of cubism of the early 20 century. His works have gained immense popularity for their modernism and retention of originality. â€Å"Diego was fascinated by the new style of painting led by celebrated Spaniard Pablo Picasso† in the cubist paintings by Diego†¦ so he mastered that style from 1913 and developed it in his later works. The Zapatista Landscape is a painting in the same style. It is a landscape of the city of Zapatista. Juxtaposed with the geographical terrain of Zapatista, are the bold and beautiful pictures of guns, fragments of human features in the backdrop of nature. Bold lines are absent but the distinction of shapes is vivid in the painting. There is an indication of texture but the strokes of the brush are smooth. The landscape showers a powerful beam of bright light from above in the painting. Colors are not representational but expressive. Apt to its time, the landscape breaks rapidly just like the destruction and damage of the culture and traditions at the mercy of those who ruled over them then. The Zapatista landscape, by Diego Rivera, the master of cubism, is my choice because it has a tremendous visual impact and bursts with vibrant colors. The second image of another artist of the period is that of Joaquin Torres Garcia. His abstract metaphysical work captivates the viewer because of its grid shapes and different style. His paintings look like murals on a wall, where geometrical shapes are made to look unique by the effect of metallic colors. Numbers, dimensions and shapes comprise his visual portrayal. Torres Garcia developed his own style called the constructivist Art in the early 20 century. He returned to his roots after several years in Europe and America. A man without any family ties, Joaquin was brave and confident to try out new styles of his own but wanted to preserve the tribal art and geometrical organization of expressions just like the Inca Civilization and Peruvian art. He used the golden mean to express his art. The distinct feature of his paintings is their irregular grid base and the signs embedded into each. His paintings look as though they have been made on walls and not on canvas. The play of light and shade is subtle. His colors are representational but they capture the eye by their abstract subjects. His paintings are very fascinating as we do not understand their theme at first instance. They make you look at them for hours and to penetrate into every detail to understand the interesting message from the mind of Garcia. There is a three dimensional effect but there is no perspective to his paintings. They look flat but the grid looks as though each piece is an embossed metal sheet with figures and forms on it. There is a balance of spatial relationship but no attempt at creating illusions. The luster of metals is an unusual method of Garcia’s works. His creations speak about spirituality, religion, meditation and universality. His deep belief in traditions of ancient civilizations like the Inca, surfaces clearly in his works. They signify the resistance he felt towards the dominance of European art. His works reverberate feelings of identity crisis of the Latin American people and rebellion against the degradation of their culture. His subject is not human forms but a connection to the universe and the eternity of the soul. The marvel of the two different paintings is their diverse subject, theme, style, color schemes and effects. But the message is unmistakably the same. Search of identities! Unity amidst diversity! How do they stand out alone and yet combine to form such a strong pair? The Zapatista by Diego Rivera is like a bright flower struggling for survival and fighting its rough terrain. It evokes a feeling of admiration for an individual’s self esteem. The painting by Joaquin Torres Garcia, with its grid base and earthy metallic colors evokes a respect for some one who is trying to make a place for himself in a world that refuses him the identity and dignity he deserves. Disparity, unrest, between classes of society, in the third world and western countries, the message of rebellion, liberty from suppression by power of education, wealth, industry and might, is the loud and clear evocation of both the works. The Zapatista, Diego’s work promotes a message of patriotism through his painting, while Joaquin achieves it by his systematic grid base in his work. The grid base gives a rational approach to art while the abstract forms connect creativity to the ultimate unknown realms of the Universe. Beautiful landscape of Zapatista projects peace and harmony with its blue sky, brown mountains and green trees but is superimposed by brightly colored pictures of guns and dark suspicious eyes of the innocent citizens, of the revolutionaries who were desperate to break free from the ramshackle of their present. Garcia vividly demarcates visual matter by geometrical grids, blended into abstract forms and Diego uses cubism to arouse feelings in his work. But there is a harmony of thought which binds both these paintings into a single message. That of an uprising surging in the hearts of sensitive people of Latin America and their struggle to retain their identity in the emerging new world. Together they resonate the same ultimate yearning of mankind. To rise up above time and to live up to eternity. Stare at them and they speak out to you. Call you towards them and throw you back if you do not understand the message they are giving. Zapatista landscape beckons all those who have migrated to affluent countries in quest of their unfulfilled dreams. It brings out sighs of nostalgia and tears of rage, betrayal and fear when you look at it. Garcia’s work attracts you like a magnet to metal. The lustrous metallic shine with abstract intriguing signs, get embossed on your mind. They lead you to believe that art and creativity are a science and can be portrayed through numbers. See each one in a different light and when together they tell the same story. Like a newly married couple, coming from two different corners of the world. With two different upbringings but united for life to seek the same purpose. That of procreation. Of giving birth to a new world, full of hope, happiness and universal bliss. Not just for themselves but for the Universe as a whole. Works Cited Diego Rivera (Mexico), Zapatista Landscape, 1915, 29 November 2008. Joaquin Torres-Garcia (Uruguay), Abstract Metaphysical Forms, 1930, 29 November 2008

John Brown and His Raid on Harpers Ferry

John Brown and His Raid on Harpers Ferry The abolitionist John Brown remains one of the most controversial figures of the 19th century. During a few years of fame before his fateful raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Americans either regarded him as a noble hero or a dangerous fanatic. After his execution on December 2, 1859, Brown became a martyr to those opposed to slavery. And the controversy over his actions and his fate helped stoke the tensions that pushed the United States to the brink of Civil War. Early Life John Brown was born on May 9, 1800, in Torrington, Connecticut. His family was descended from New England Puritans, and he had a deeply religious upbringing. John was the third of six children in the family. When Brown was five, the family moved to Ohio. During his childhood, Browns very religious father would exclaim that slavery was a sin against God. And when Brown visited a farm in his youth he witnessed the beating of slave. The violent incident had a lasting effect on young Brown, and he became a fanatical opponent of slavery. John Browns Anti-Slavery Passion Brown married at the age of 20, and he and his wife had seven children before she died in 1832. He remarried and fathered 13 more children. Brown and his family moved to several states, and he failed at every business he entered. His passion for eliminating slavery became the focus of his life. In 1837, Brown attended a meeting in Ohio in memory of Elijah Lovejoy, an abolitionist newspaper editor who had been killed in Illinois. At the meeting, Brown raised his hand and vowed that he would destroy slavery. Advocating Violence In 1847 Brown moved to Springfield, Massachusetts and began befriending members of a community of escaped slaves. It was at Springfield that he first befriended the abolitionist writer and editor Frederick Douglass, who had escaped from slavery in Maryland. Browns ideas became more radical, and he began advocating a violent overthrow of slavery. He argued that slavery was so entrenched that it could only be destroyed by violent means. Some opponents of slavery had become frustrated with the peaceful approach of the established abolition movement, and Brown gained some followers with his fiery rhetoric. John Browns Role in Bleeding Kansas In the 1850s the territory of Kansas was rocked by violent conflicts between anti-slavery and pro-slavery settlers. The violence, which became known as Bleeding Kansas, was a symptom of the highly controversial Kansas-Nebraska Act. John Brown and five of his sons moved to Kansas to support the free-soil settlers who wanted Kansas to come into the union as a free state in which slavery would be outlawed. In May 1856, in response to pro-slavery ruffians attacking Lawrence, Kansas, Brown and his sons attacked and killed five pro-slavery settlers at Pottawatomie Creek, Kansas. Brown Desired a  Slave Rebellion After acquiring a bloody reputation in Kansas, Brown set his sights higher. He became convinced that if he started an uprising among slaves by providing weapons and strategy, the revolt would spread across the entire south. There had been slave uprisings before, most notably the one led by the slave Nat Turner in Virginia in 1831. Turners rebellion resulted in the deaths of 60 whites and the eventual execution of Turner and more than 50 African Americans believed to have been involved. Brown was very familiar with the history of slave rebellions, yet still believed he could start a guerrilla war in the south. The Plan to Attack on Harpers Ferry Brown began to plan an attack on the federal arsenal in the small town of Harpers Ferry, Virginia (which is in present-day West Virginia). In July 1859, Brown, his sons, and other followers rented a farm across the Potomac River in Maryland. They spent the summer secretly stockpiling weapons, as they believed they could arm slaves in the south who would escape ​to join their cause. Brown traveled to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania at one point that summer to meet with his old friend Frederick Douglass. Hearing Browns plans, and believing them suicidal, Douglass refused to participate. John Browns Raid on Harpers Ferry On the night of October 16, 1859, Brown and 18 of his followers drove wagons into the town of Harpers Ferry. The raiders cut telegraph wires and quickly overcame the watchman at the armory, effectively seizing the building. Yet a train passing through town carried the news, and by the next day forces began to arrive. Brown and his men barricaded themselves inside buildings and a siege began. The slave uprising Brown hoped to spark never happened. A contingent of Marines arrived, under the command of Col. Robert E. Lee. Most of Browns men were soon killed, but he was taken alive on October 18 and jailed. The Martyrdom of John Brown Browns trial for treason in Charlestown, Virginia was major news in American newspapers in late 1859. He was convicted and sentenced to death. John Brown was hanged, along with four of his men, on December 2, 1859 at Charlestown. His execution was marked by the tolling of church bells in many towns in the north. The abolitionist cause had gained a martyr. And the execution of Brown was a step on the countrys road to Civil War.