Public opinion in early American history was influenced by pamphlets, books and newspaper articles such as Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The invention of the telegraph transformed news and hastened the rise of independent, mass-circulation newspapers in the 19th century.
I can explain that the country’s expansion helped it develop sections with distinct economic characteristics. The sections took different positions on key political issues of the day (e.g., tariff policy, the national bank, internal improvements, sales of public lands, slavery).
I can explain that the Southerners viewed slavery as vital to their agricultural way of life and favored the extension of slavery into the territories as cotton cultivation moved west. Northerners who did not rely on slaves for a workforce objected to slavery as a moral wrong and opposed its extension into the territories.
Explore the sites below for information about Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Harriet Beecher Stowe
1. What is historical perspective?
2. Look for the differences in the practice of slavery as you move further south.
3. What is the difference between these two statements
“There is a slave that is on a plantation in Kentucky”
“There is a slave on a plantation in Kentucky named Lucy/Tom”
Story Resources:
4. President Abraham Lincoln is rumored to have said, "So you’re the little lady who wrote the book that started this great war," when he met Harriet Beecher Stowe. Why would he have said this? Do you agree with this statement?
Slavery Crash Course History Video
As you watch the movie:
How do you think reading this novel would or could influence people in the north or west about the issue of slavery?
How would/could or more importantly should this story influence those who do own slaves?
What are the economic differences between the north/the south and the deep south?
Explain why life would be different for a slave in each of those areas.
Cause and effect: How does the economy of each area effect how many slaves are used in the area? How they are used?
What are you thoughts about Tom? Why does Harriet Beecher Stowe create such a sympathetic character?
To me, one of the saddest scenes in the movie is the slave auction. Do you think this was a true depiction of how an auction was? embellished for Hollywood? or do you think it was underplayed?