Harriet Beecher Stowe's passion for abolitionism culminated when Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, forcing Northern states to become complicit in the act of slavery. A short video dramatizes the events preceding the publication of Stowe's novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin, and the public reception to the book itself.

Concepts

harriet beecher stowe, uncle tom's cabin, slavery, abolitionists

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Create a cross-curricular assignment between language arts and social studies
• Host a showing of the entire PBS film The Abolitionists, or give extra credit to those who watch it independently

Classroom Considerations

• Lists national history standards, but a free account is needed to view state standards
• Note the viewing guide strategies listed in the instructional tips to prepare learners for emotional scenes

Pros

• Includes teaching tips and research project ideas
• Provides depth to a novel unit or Civil War lesson

Cons

• None