Religious motivation for Brown and his followers was just as strong as that of the 9-11 attackers, and the outpouring of sympathy for Brown during his trial and execution similar to the reponse from the Muslim world. Brown's plan, which allowed members of his party to establish themselves quietly near Harpers Ferry months before the attack, followed the pattern set by those who attacked the twin towers. The size of the attacking party was almost exactly the same.

Southern newspaper editors were keenly interested to learn who paid for cases of Sharps rifles and Colts revolvers hidden nearby Brown's Maryland farmhouse.

On the other hand, the States Rights issue mentioned earlier was the focus of intense debate in 1860. Everyone must be familiar with it.