Books with title Harriet Beecher Stowe: Author and Advocate

Harriet Beecher Stowe is often credited with bringing such attention to the plight of slaves in her most famous novel that she influenced the course of the American Civil War. In this text, Stowes work as an abolitionist and author is examined in light of its great historical significance. Students will analyze the importance of Stowes work in its contemporary historical context.

Harriet Beecher Stowe was a typical, well-behaved 19th century mother and wife, but she was very angry. She wanted more than anything to see the end of slavery in the United States, but what could she do? Harriet picked up her pen and wrote a story. She wrote about the injustice of slavery, but most importantly, she wrote a story that showed slaves feel the same joys and pains that all humans feel. Originally, published in monthly installments in a newspaper, Harriet’s story became a popular novel called Uncle Tom’s Cabin. This novel helped many people see slavery in a new light and was an important catalyst for change that eventually led to the end of slavery in the United States. What could one woman do? One woman could do quite a bit!