Did a Book Spark the Civil War?

Uncle Tom's Cabin, published in 1852 by Harriet Beecher Stowe, played a significant role in shaping public opinion on slavery in America. The book, which tells the story of an enslaved man named Tom, became an instant success and was translated into multiple languages. It contributed to the moral debate on slavery, hardening opinions on both sides and influencing the outbreak of the Civil War. Stowe's work is credited with helping to ignite the war and ultimately contributing to the abolition of slavery in 1865. The book's impact on American history is profound, demonstrating the power of literature to effect social change.

Who was the author of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' and what motivated her to write the book?

• Mark Twain, motivated by his travels in the South

• Charles Dickens, motivated by his experiences in America

• Harriet Beecher Stowe, motivated by her religious beliefs and personal loss

• Jane Austen, motivated by her interest in social issues

What was the initial public reaction to 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' upon its release?

• It became an instant success, selling hundreds of thousands of copies

• It was only popular in Europe

• It was largely ignored by the public

• It was banned in most states

How did 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' contribute to the debate on slavery in America?

• It led to immediate abolition of slavery

• It hardened opinions and intensified the divide between North and South

• It had no significant impact on the slavery debate

• It softened opinions on both sides of the slavery debate

What was the Southern reaction to 'Uncle Tom's Cabin'?

• The South was indifferent to the book

• The South banned the book immediately

• The South praised the book for its accurate depiction of slavery

• The South was hostile, with some praising Stowe for widening the North-South divide

What famous quote is attributed to Abraham Lincoln regarding Harriet Beecher Stowe?

• "You are the woman who ended slavery."

• "You have united the nation with your words."

• "So you're the little woman who wrote the book that made this Great War."

• "Your book has no impact on the war."