Harriet Beecher Stowe

An abolitionist author whose novel <em>Uncle Tom's Cabin</em> galvanized anti-slavery sentiment in the 19th century.

Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811–1896) authored Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852), a groundbreaking novel that exposed the brutality of slavery in the United States. The book sold over 300,000 copies in its first year and became a catalyst for the abolitionist movement.

Stowe’s vivid portrayal of enslaved characters humanized their struggles, countering pro-slavery propaganda. President Abraham Lincoln reportedly told her, 'So you’re the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war,' underscoring its impact on the Civil War.

Beyond literature, Stowe advocated for women’s rights and education reform. Her works, including Dred: A Tale of the Great Dismal Swamp (1856), continued to address social justice issues. By blending storytelling with activism, Stowe made a difference in reshaping public opinion and advancing equality.