support or refute the assertion that
john brown was a martyr.

Based on the death and general historical role of John Brown, it is most reasonable to argue in support of the statement that John Brown was a martyr.

Explanation:

As one of the first white abolitionists (people who advocated for the abolition of slavery in the USA), John Brown was famous for promoting armed insurrection against slavery, while pacifism was more common among other members of the abolitionists movement.

In 1859 he have organised and armed raid on Harpers Ferry. After a two day attack, John Brown and 18 other insurgents were arrested on October 18, 1859. Brown has not received as much of armed support from slaves as he expected and was defeated so quickly because so only initial 18 insurgents were fighting by his side.

Meanwhile, his subsequent 42-day imprisonment, execution and consistent ideology gained John Brown strong martyr position in the American history. He ultimately became a textbook character. For example, the marching song ‘John Brown’s Body’ became the basis for ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic’ (1861).