Introduction
There are a lot of stories that have changed the world. One of these books is part of the reason as to why the Civil War started. When published in 1852, Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe had a huge impact on the United States, as well as the world. Stowe brought a lot of attention to slavery, which ultimately changed the world, as it caused controversy to the United States. That was not expected, as it is about matters happening in America, yet the story traveled all the way to Great Britain.
About the Author
Harriet Beecher Stowe put some of her personal life into Uncle Tom’s Cabin. For instance, Stowe’s son died from Cholera. The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center states in Uncle Tom’s Cabin, that “In the summer of 1849, Harriet’s 18-month-old son, Samuel Charles, died of cholera.” (Uncle Tom’s Cabin, 9). She mentioned this in Uncle Tom’s Cabin, as it made her feel connected to the mothers whose children were sold. Harriet was born in 1811 and was raised in Connecticut. Stowe was the seventh child in her family growing up. She went to private schools for her education and went to go teach at Harvard in 1827. She left for Cincinnati to help take care of her father in 1832. In 1836, Stowe married her husband, Calvin. Stowe had seven children with Calvin.
Stowe has written 30 books in her lifetime, with her first being Mayflower, and the most popular being Uncle Tom’s Cabin. After Uncle Tom’s Cabin was published, she met President Abraham Lincoln. In the article “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” is Published, from History, it says, “The novel sold 300,000 copies within three months and was so widely read that when President Abraham Lincoln met Stowe in 1862, he reportedly said, ‘So this is the little lady who made this big war.’” (“Uncle Tom’s Cabin” is Published, 1). She was so inspiring, that she had been noticed by the president, and was making change happen. Harriet is known as a literacy hero wherever she goes. She has done remarkable things in her life, and she is a huge part of our history.
About the Book
It was a shock that Uncle Tom’s Cabin was the best seller in 1852, next to the Bible. According to the article “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” from The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, it says, “In 1852, the serial was published as a two-volume book. Uncle Tom’s Cabin was a runaway best-seller, selling 10,000 copies in the United States in its first week; 300,000 in the first year; and in Great Britain, 1.5 million copies in one year. In the 19th century, the only book to outsell Uncle Tom’s Cabin was the Bible.” (Uncle Tom’s Cabin, 3). This book was sold even in Great Britain, which is amazing since she wrote it for the story to be known in America. Stowe did not think that her story would be sold in Great Britain, however, it is a great accomplishment for her story to reach across the world. Uncle Tom’s Cabin is now translated into many languages.
The Legacy
The legacy of the story, Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe, began the moment that it was released. Since the story came out, it changed the World for the better. This book brought attention to how awful slavery was, and many found it interesting, as it sold all over the world. Not that it matters, however, Stowe was a white woman, who noticed how horrible slaves were being treated. Not only was it bizarre for her to go against slavery, but the fact that she was a woman author was also as well. Most authors were men at the time, as it was believed that women should not hold a pen.
The actual story of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, as well as its author, Harriet, were major influences. The story was not only meaningful to Stowe, but to everyone. In the text, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” is Published from History, it states, “The book had a major influence on the way the American public viewed slavery. The book established Stowe’s reputation as a woman of letters.” (“Uncle Tom’s Cabin” is Published, 3). One book. One woman. That is how Americans changed their view on slavery. If Stowe never wrote that book, or it was never published, who knows where we would be today. We have Harriet, and others, to thank for slavery being abolished.
Works Cited
“‘Uncle Tom's Cabin’ Is Published.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 13 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/uncle-toms-cabin-is-published. Accessed 7 Dec. 2020.
“Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, www.harrietbeecherstowecenter.org/harriet-beecher-stowe/uncle-toms-cabin/. Accessed 7 Dec. 2020
