Although Brown's raid was a failure, he did succeed in deepening the divide between the North and South.  They grew farther apart from each other.  

Brown's raid help set the scene for the Civil War and the future emancipation of slaves. 

People saw how courageous and devoted Brown was for this cause.  Many become curious as to why and were inspiried by his determination.  He brought on a lot of interest in this matter.

This raid sent "shockwaves through the nation's political landscape, infuencing the outcome of the presidential election of 1860."  There were only 4 candidates in the election and Lincoln received 40% of the popular votes, along with the Electoral vote, all of which came from the North.

This raid brought on the ideas of secession as well.  The North supported the raid, but the South was against it.  They did not want to remain as part of a country that promoted murder and were against their own values. 

 John Brown and his raid on Harpers Ferry are often referred to as the match that lit the fuse on the powder keg of secession and civil war.

​Frederick Douglas says" If John Brown did not end the war that ended slavery, he did at least begin the war that ended slavery…. Until this blow was struck, the prospect for freedom was dim, shadowy and uncertain. The irrepressible conflict was one of words, votes and compromises.   When John Brown stretched forth his arm the sky was cleared. The time for compromises was gone – the armed hosts of freedom stood face to face over the chasm of a broken Union – and the clash of arms was at hand."