What impact did "Uncle Tom's Cabin" have on public perception of slavery?

"Uncle Tom's Cabin," written by Harriet Beecher Stowe and published in 1852, had a profound impact on public perception of slavery by vividly portraying its harsh realities and cruelty. The novel brought to life the emotional and physical suffering experienced by enslaved individuals, presenting their struggles and the moral dilemmas faced by slaveholders and society at large. Through its characters and stories, it aimed to evoke empathy and provoke outrage among readers, particularly in the Northern states, where many were previously unaware or indifferent to the harsh realities of slavery.

The book effectively highlighted the inhumane treatment of enslaved people, illustrating the brutality of the system and its devastating effects on families. This emotional appeal was instrumental in galvanizing the abolitionist movement and increasing anti-slavery sentiments among the public, ultimately influencing political discourse and contributing to the polarization of the nation leading up to the Civil War. Stowe's work is often credited with aiding the shift in public opinion against slavery, as it made the issue more personal and relatable to readers who may not have confronted the topic directly before.