Harriet Beecher Stowe was born in Connecticut, a free state. She was white, but her father, a minister, preached against slavery. Stowe’s mother wanted her to read and learn as much as possible. Probably thanks to her mothers love for education Stowe was a gifted writer. In 1852, nine years before the start of the Civil War she published a book called Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The book featured Uncle Tom, a slave, and his harsh master, Simon Legree. More than three hundred thousand copies were sold and the book was read throughout the world. It immediately had large reactions. Uncle Tom’s Cabin brought attention to slavery, it forced people to think about slavery. Many people liked the book, and the anti-slavery message it sent. However, others, especially slave owners, didn’t like the message that the book sent out, and they didn’t like Stowe. Uncle Tom’s Cabin forced people to open their eyes to the violence of slavery. Harriet Beecher Stowe opened the wound that was slavery, forcing people to heal it.