Uncle Toms Cabin

Question 1

Uncle Toms Cabin

Answer 1

“Uncle Toms Cabin” by Harriett Beecher Stowe was published in 1851 following the passing of the Fugitive Slave Law.

It was very popular and became a bestseller in 1852. Within the first year of publication, it sold 300 000 copies in America and over 1 million copies in Britain.

The story followed a slave from Kentucky named Tom, who was sold to a cruel, sadistic and heartless slaveowner named Simon Legree, following the death of his former master. Legree eventually caused Tom’s death by flogging (continuous whipping). Additionally, it followed a mixed slave named Eliza who managed to escape to Canada with the help of underground railroads.

Question 2

impact of Uncle Toms Cabin

Answer 2

Heightened abolitionist sentiment in the North, as it highlighted the issue of slavery. Abraham Lincoln said to Stowe, “So you’re the little woman who started this great war”.

Heightened Southern backlash as they regarded it as a “ill-thought-out attack on slavery”.

Question 3

Lincolns view on Uncle Toms Cabin

Answer 3

Abraham Lincoln said to Stowe, “So you’re the little woman who started this great war”.