The History Behind Uncle Tom's Cabin
Chapter 45
"Concluding Remarks," the final chapter of this tale, contains information on why Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin, and where she drew her inspiration from. For example, every specific incident in this tale, the flogging, burning people tied to a tree, whipping, even personalities of the various characters in the book were drawn from real life. Stowe witnessed most of these events herself, and those that she did not view were seen by close personal friends. Both the most cruel and the most virtuous people, personalities and events in this book were spun from the threads of reality. Even Tom's martyrdom was seen in reality at some point, but it was not just one man. There were thousands like Tom who lay dead for their beliefs, and millions more who died for other reasons. In Stowe's own words, "there is, actually, nothing to protect the slave's life, but the character of the master."
Charley's death was a reason for her description of children sld at the block, and possibly the inspiration for Eva, as he had gold hair and blue eyes as well
Charley's death was a reason for her description of children sld at the block, and possibly the inspiration for Eva, as he had gold hair and blue eyes as well
American History
sectiona;ism, prelude to the Civil War, Slavery debate, various state compromises, fugitive slave act of 1850