Which of the following issues were raised in the novel Uncle Tom's Cabin that further divided the nation along sectional lines and ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War? a. the novel highlighted the cruelty of slavery b. the novel highlighted the importance of slavery for economic reasons. c. the novel made it clear that the confederate states could function independent of the union d. the novel illustrated the need for slavery in the north
a. the novel highlighted the cruelty of slavery
c. the novel made it clear that the confederate states could function independent of the union
The issues raised in the novel Uncle Tom's Cabin that contributed to the division and the outbreak of the Civil War were:
a. The novel highlighted the cruelty of slavery: Uncle Tom's Cabin exposed the inhumane treatment and brutal conditions faced by enslaved individuals. This portrayal of the harsh reality of slavery further intensified the moral conflict between the abolitionist movement in the North and the pro-slavery sentiment in the South.
c. The novel made it clear that the Confederate states could function independently of the Union: Uncle Tom's Cabin depicted the Southern characters as self-sufficient and capable of establishing their own society apart from the Northern states. This portrayal strengthened the idea of secession and independence, fueling the growing divide between the North and the South.
It is important to note that option b, the importance of slavery for economic reasons, was not a focus of Uncle Tom's Cabin. The novel did not contribute to the argument that slavery was essential for economic prosperity. Additionally, option d, the need for slavery in the North, is not an issue raised in Uncle Tom's Cabin.
The correct answer to the question is option a: the novel highlighted the cruelty of slavery. Uncle Tom's Cabin, written by Harriet Beecher Stowe, was published in 1852 and had a significant impact on the national conversation about slavery leading up to the Civil War.
To arrive at this answer, you can follow a few steps:
1. Understand the context: Recognize that Uncle Tom's Cabin is a novel that was influential in the years leading up to the Civil War in the United States. It portrayed the experiences of enslaved individuals and shed light on the brutalities and inhumanity of slavery.
2. Analyze each option: Examine each option provided in the question and consider its relevance to the novel and its impact on further dividing the nation along sectional lines.
a. The first option, "the novel highlighted the cruelty of slavery," aligns with the central themes of Uncle Tom's Cabin, which focused on exposing the harsh realities of slavery. This portrayal intensified the national debate, as it challenged the pro-slavery argument that slaves were content and treated well.
b. The second option, "the novel highlighted the importance of slavery for economic reasons," is not an accurate representation of the novel's message. Uncle Tom's Cabin primarily focused on the moral and humanitarian aspects of slavery, rather than economic justifications.
c. The third option, "the novel made it clear that the Confederate states could function independent of the Union," is not directly addressed in Uncle Tom's Cabin. While the novel did depict life in the South, it primarily aimed to provoke moral outrage against slavery rather than advocate for secession.
d. The fourth option, "the novel illustrated the need for slavery in the North," is also not reflected in Uncle Tom's Cabin. The novel aimed to expose the cruelties in the Southern slave system, not to argue for the necessity of slavery elsewhere.
3. Determine the correct answer: Based on your analysis, it is clear that option a, "the novel highlighted the cruelty of slavery," best aligns with the issues raised in Uncle Tom's Cabin that further divided the nation along sectional lines and contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War.
Therefore, option a is the correct answer.