Concetti Chiave
- Slavery gained significant attention as demand for raw cotton increased, leading to more slaves being brought to work in the southern plantations.
- By the mid-19th century, the U.S. was divided over slavery due to economic differences between the North and South.
- Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" highlighted the harsh conditions of slaves, boosting support for the antislavery movement.
- Abraham Lincoln prioritized the emancipation of slaves in his presidential campaign, leading to his election in 1860.
- The Civil War began in 1861 after southern states seceded, ending with a northern victory and the abolition of slavery.
The Sudden Importance of Slavery
Slavery, which had up to now received little public attention, suddenly assumed enormous importance. In colonial times, coloured slaves had first been brought from Africa to work on the plantations of the south. As the demand for raw cotton increased in England, large numbers of slaves were required. By 1818, when Illinois became the 21st state, 10 permitted slavery and 11 forbade it.
By the middle of the nineteenth century the U.S., owing to the differences between the economies of the North and the South, was a divided country. During this period the question of slavery was hotly discussed. At this time, Harriet Beecher Stowe described, in Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the conditions under which the slaves lived and worked. The book, which was soon translated into many languages, inspired widespread enthusiasm for the antislavery cause, among young and old.
Emancipation and the Civil War
The matter came to a head in 1858, when Abraham Lincoln, Republican candidate for the Presidency of the U.S.A., made the emancipation of slaves his principal aim. Lincoln was elected President in 1860. Soon after his election the states of the south seceded from the Union and formed the Confederate States of America. On April 12, 1861, fighting broke out. The small Southern army fought bravely, but the war ended with the victory of the northern forces and the abolition of slavery.
Domande da interrogazione
- Why did slavery suddenly become a significant issue in the United States?
- How did Harriet Beecher Stowe contribute to the antislavery movement?
- What role did Abraham Lincoln play in the abolition of slavery?
Slavery gained importance due to the increasing demand for raw cotton in England, which required a large number of slaves to work on Southern plantations. This economic demand highlighted the stark differences between the North and South, leading to heated discussions on the topic.
Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, "Uncle Tom’s Cabin," depicted the harsh realities of slave life, inspiring widespread enthusiasm for the antislavery cause and raising awareness among both young and old.
Abraham Lincoln, as the Republican candidate for the Presidency, made the emancipation of slaves his principal aim. His election in 1860 led to the secession of Southern states and the Civil War, which ultimately ended with the victory of the North and the abolition of slavery.
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