1. Anti-Slavery Activism: Stowe was a vocal opponent of slavery and actively participated in the abolitionist movement. Her writings, including "Uncle Tom's Cabin," exposed the brutal realities of slavery and challenged prevailing notions of the institution as a benevolent system.
2. Influence on Public Opinion: "Uncle Tom's Cabin" became an international bestseller and had a profound impact on public opinion. It brought the horrors of slavery to the forefront of national consciousness and helped galvanize support for abolition. The book's portrayal of slavery as a morally repugnant institution challenged traditional justifications for its existence.
3. Support for the Union: Stowe was a strong supporter of the Union during the Civil War. She believed that preserving the Union was essential to ending slavery. Her writings and public speeches contributed to the war effort by rallying support for the Northern cause and encouraging the abolition of slavery.
4. Correspondence with Lincoln: Stowe corresponded with President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. In their exchanges, she expressed her support for his policies, including the Emancipation Proclamation, which she saw as a crucial step toward eliminating slavery.
5. Post-War Reconstruction: After the war, Stowe continued to be involved in efforts related to Reconstruction and the reintegration of freed slaves into society. She supported educational initiatives for African Americans and advocated for their civil rights.
Overall, Harriet Beecher Stowe's anti-slavery activism, literary influence, support for the Union during the Civil War, and her post-war contributions made her an influential figure in the fight against slavery and the shaping of public opinion during a critical period in American history.