Harriet Beecher Stowe

Definition

Harriet Beecher Stowe was an American author and abolitionist, best known for her novel 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' published in 1852. This powerful work depicted the harsh realities of slavery, helping to galvanize anti-slavery sentiments in the North and contributing to the tensions leading to the Civil War. Stowe's writing played a crucial role in raising awareness about the moral issues surrounding slavery, influencing public opinion and political action against the institution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' as a response to the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act, highlighting the plight of enslaved people and the moral dilemmas of slavery.
2. The novel became an instant bestseller and is credited with helping to shift public opinion in favor of abolition, particularly in the Northern states.
3. Stowe was born into a prominent religious family and her father's strong anti-slavery beliefs greatly influenced her writing and activism.
4. 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' not only depicted individual stories of enslaved people but also addressed broader themes of human rights and justice, making it a significant literary work.
5. Stowe met President Abraham Lincoln in 1862, who reportedly referred to her as 'the little lady who started this great war,' recognizing her impact on the anti-slavery movement.

Review Questions

• How did Harriet Beecher Stowe's work contribute to the growing tensions over slavery in the United States?
  • Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' exposed the brutal realities of slavery to a wide audience, stirring emotions and prompting discussions about morality and human rights. By portraying the suffering of enslaved individuals, Stowe inspired many Northerners to become more active in the abolitionist movement. This increased awareness helped create a cultural divide between North and South, ultimately contributing to the tensions that led to the Civil War.
• In what ways did 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' serve as a catalyst for the abolitionist movement during the mid-19th century?
  • 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' served as a catalyst for the abolitionist movement by bringing widespread attention to the horrors of slavery through its emotional storytelling. The novel reached a diverse readership and prompted many people to question their beliefs about slavery. As it became an influential piece of literature, it galvanized support for anti-slavery initiatives, contributed to forming abolitionist societies, and inspired activists to speak out against the institution.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Harriet Beecher Stowe's contributions to American society and its values regarding race and human rights.
  • Harriet Beecher Stowe's contributions had a lasting impact on American society by fundamentally shifting public perceptions about race and human rights. Her work not only fueled the abolitionist movement but also laid groundwork for future civil rights discussions. By emphasizing empathy and justice through her writing, Stowe helped cultivate a moral framework that would continue to influence American values in their ongoing struggles for equality and civil rights well beyond the Civil War era.

Related terms

Uncle Tom's Cabin: 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' is a novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe that illustrated the brutal realities of slavery, promoting empathy and activism against the institution.

Abolitionism: Abolitionism was a movement aimed at ending slavery and promoting equal rights for African Americans, gaining momentum in the 19th century.

Fugitive Slave Act: The Fugitive Slave Act was a law passed in 1850 that required the return of runaway slaves to their owners, increasing tensions between free and slave states.