Uncle Tom's Cabin Lesson

Uncle Tom's Cabin

Emmanuel Alejandro
Region One ESC
History and Civics Specialist

​Putting it into context...

Students will develop their reading comprehension and analytical skills by exploring Chapter 9 of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin,' focusing on its portrayal of sectionalism and the Fugitive Slave Act.

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Objective

Open Ended

Imagine living in a time when people are divided over a major issue, like the Fugitive Slave Act. How might this affect your relationships with friends and family?

Having loyalty to one part of the nation rather than the entire nation

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(opposite of nationalism)

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​Think: What issues divide people in the United States today? What issues bring about "sectional" feelings?

​​Sectionalism

• ​In 1787, during the Constitutional Convention, delegates agreed to allow the foreign slave trade to last for only 20 more years (meaning no more slaves could be brought from outside nations after 1807)

• Congress set the end date at January 1, 1808

• However, this did not ban the institution of slavery within the US, as slaves were still sold and purchased within the states

​Legislating Slavery

​Paths to Freedom

• Some slaves would buy freedom (if they had been allowed to work outside of the plantation and earn wages)

• Some slaves were bought by abolitionists and set free

• Some were released by their owner

• And of course, there were "runaways" who would head into free states

Multiple Select

What are the differences between an indentured servant and a slave?

• Indentured servants were sold like property at an auction and were enslaved for life.

• Slaves only worked until their debt was paid off.

• Slaves were sold like property at an auction and were enslaved for life.

• Indentured servants only worked until their debt was paid off.

​Compromise of 1850

• ​California would become a free state (without slavery).

• Other territory gained through the Mexican-American War would be decided through popular sovereignty; the people of the territory would vote whether slavery was legal or illegal.

• ​Strong fugitive slave laws would be enforced. If a runaway enslaved person escapes to a free state, it would be illegal for people to try to protect them.

Fugitive Slave Act

Trivia: The Fugitive Slave Act contributed to the tensions that led to the American Civil War. It intensified the abolitionist movement, led to increased resistance against slavery, and further divided the nation. This controversial law heightened the conflict between the North and the South, ultimately fueling the outbreak of the Civil War.

The Fugitive Slave Act

• Purpose: To strengthen the Fugitive Slave Clause of the United States Constitution

• Enforcement: Required citizens to assist in the capture and return of escaped slaves

• Controversy: Fueled the abolitionist movement and heightened tensions between North and South

The Fugitive Slave Act

• Underground Railroad: A network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada.

• Safe Houses: Hidden locations where escaped slaves could find shelter, food, and assistance on their journey to freedom.

Multiple Choice

What was the Fugitive Slave Act?

• A law requiring all escaped slaves to be returned to their masters

• A law requiring escaped slaves to be returned to their masters

• A network of secret routes and safe houses for escaped slaves

• A failed attempt to start an armed slave revolt

The Second Great Awakening

• This was a revival of strong religious feelings.

• Some of these groups saw social reform as part of God's plan.

• This new religious movement centered on reform and repairing moral injustices.

• The Second Great Awakening played an important role in stirring reform movements to end slavery, reform prisons, and ban alcoholic beverages.

Multiple Select

An abolitionist believed that slavery was morally wrong and wanted to end it.

• True

• False

ABOLITIONISTS MOVEMENT

• An abolitionist believed that slavery was morally wrong and wanted to end it.

• The following are people who fought to end slavery in the United States.

• Harriet Beecher Stowe: She wrote a book called "Uncle Tom's Cabin" that depicted the evils of slavery and stirred the public conscience of the North.

Let's Read!

When reading, use your note catcher to identify moments in which certain events are alluded to.

Multiple Choice

What is Mr. Bird's initial attitude towards discussing Senate business with his wife?

• He is eager to share all the details.

• He is surprised and initially dismissive of her interest.

• He finds it tiresome and complains about his work.

• He wants to involve her more in politics.

Multiple Choice

What specific law is Mrs. Bird concerned about?

• A law increasing taxes on ordinary citizens.

• A law forbidding people from criticizing the Senate.

• A law prohibiting assistance to runaway enslaved people.

• A law promoting better treatment of enslaved people.

Multiple Choice

How does Mr. Bird justify his support for the newly passed law?

• He believes it will benefit the state financially.

• He sees it as a necessary measure to quiet agitation from Kentucky.

• He thinks it is a truly Christian and kind act.

• He fears being punished if he doesn't support it.

Multiple Choice

What is Mrs. Bird's primary argument against the law?

• She believes it is financially irresponsible.

• She thinks it will lead to more political unrest.

• She argues it is cruel, unchristian, and goes against biblical teachings.

• She feels it infringes on her personal freedoms.

Multiple Choice

What pivotal event occurs at the end of the reading that dramatically changes the scene?

• A group of senators arrives at their home for a meeting.

• Mrs. Bird receives a letter about her family.

• Mr. Bird decides to publicly denounce the law.

• A young, suffering enslaved woman in a deadly swoon is brought into their kitchen.

Key Themes in Chapter 9

The Fugitive Slave Act required citizens to assist in the capture of runaway slaves. In Chapter 9, the act's impact on characters' lives is evident, showcasing their moral dilemmas.

Fugitive Slave Act

The division, characterized by different economic and social interests between the North and South, was a major factor in the Civil War. In Chapter 9, character interactions highlight this division.

Sectionalism

​The chapter presents moral conflicts faced by characters due to the Fugitive Slave Act and societal pressures. These conflicts drive the narrative and reveal deeper societal issues.

Moral Conflict

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