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This Day in American History

March 20

1 historic event on this date

Movement1852

Uncle Tom's Cabin Published

Harriet Beecher Stowe's anti-slavery novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was published in book form after being serialized. It became the best-selling novel of the 19th century and profoundly shaped public opinion about slavery in the Northern states.

Why It Matters

The novel demonstrated the power of storytelling to change public opinion on civic issues, and Abraham Lincoln reportedly told Stowe she was "the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war."

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Every event in American history connects to the founding principles. Discover the ideas that shaped these moments.

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