Abolitionism and Literature

• What is the title of the book published in 1852 by Harriet Beecher?

  Uncle Tom's Cabin
• What event horrified Harriet Beecher that inspired her to write Uncle Tom's Cabin?

  Witnessing a slave auction
• How many copies of Uncle Tom's Cabin were sold in its first week?

  10,000 copies (300,000 in 1852)
• How did the South respond to the publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin?

  By creating Aunt Phyllis's Cabin
• Who was Uncle Tom's Cabin based on?

  Josiah Hansen
• What was Josiah Hansen's experience as a slave?

  He was forced to move his thumb as a hire
• Where did Josiah Hansen go to gain his freedom?

  Canada
• Why was literature important in the abolitionist movement?

  • Reached audiences abolition papers could not
  • Engaged women, children, the South, and slaves
  • Provided a moral argument through storytelling
  • Created a unifying experience among readers
• How did novels like Uncle Tom's Cabin differ from abolitionist press in their approach?

  Novels told stories, while press was preachy
• What was the impact of Uncle Tom's Cabin on society?

  • Best-selling novel of the 19th century
  • Sparked discussions on slavery
  • Bonded people over shared opinions
  • Influenced public perception of slavery