Who Was Harriet Beecher Stowe?

Harriet Beecher Stowe was an American author and abolitionist who wrote the novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin". The book was a pivotal work in the abolitionist movement and helped to shape public opinion against slavery in the United States. Stowe was a prolific writer, and her other works include "The Minister's Wooing" and "Oldtown Folks". She was also a strong advocate for women's rights and suffrage.

Early Life and Education

Harriet Beecher Stowe was born on June 14, 1811, in Litchfield, Connecticut. Her father, Lyman Beecher, was a prominent Congregationalist minister and her mother, Roxana Foote Beecher, was a devout Christian. Stowe had a close relationship with her siblings, particularly her sister, Catharine Beecher. Stowe received a privileged education, attending the Litchfield Female Academy and the Hartford Female Seminary. She also studied at the Cincinnati Seminary, where she met her future husband, Calvin Ellis Stowe.

Who Was Harriet Beecher Stowe? (Who Was?)

by Dana Meachen Rau

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	66615 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	85 pages

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Marriage and Family

Stowe married Calvin Ellis Stowe in 1836. The couple had seven children together. Stowe's marriage was not always easy, as her husband struggled with financial problems and alcoholism. However, Stowe remained a devoted wife and mother, and she found solace in her writing.

Literary Career

Stowe began her literary career in the 1840s, writing short stories and articles for magazines and newspapers. In 1852, she published her first novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin". The book was an immediate success, selling over 300,000 copies in its first year. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was translated into over 20 languages and became one of the most popular novels of the 19th century.

Stowe's novel was a powerful indictment of slavery, and it helped to shape public opinion against the institution. The book's depiction of the horrors of slavery horrified many readers and helped to galvanize the abolitionist movement. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" is credited with playing a role in the outbreak of the American Civil War.

Later Life and Legacy

Following the success of "Uncle Tom's Cabin", Stowe continued to write and lecture about slavery and other social issues. She also became a vocal advocate for women's rights and suffrage. Stowe died in Hartford, Connecticut, on July 1, 1896. She is buried in the Stowe-Day Foundation Cemetery in Hartford.

Harriet Beecher Stowe's Impact

Harriet Beecher Stowe was one of the most influential American writers of the 19th century. Her novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was a powerful force in the abolitionist movement and helped to shape public opinion against slavery. Stowe was also a strong advocate for women's rights and suffrage. Her legacy is one of social justice and equality.

Harriet Beecher Stowe in 1853.

Harriet Beecher Stowe was a remarkable woman who used her writing to make a difference in the world. Her novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was a pivotal work in the abolitionist movement and helped to shape public opinion against slavery. Stowe was also a strong advocate for women's rights and suffrage. Her legacy is one of social justice and equality.

Who Was Harriet Beecher Stowe? (Who Was?)

by Dana Meachen Rau

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	66615 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	85 pages

FREE