Story that Changed History Worksheet
Vol. 1852 Issue: Freedom
Price: One Cent
The Weekly Abolitionist
Special Report: The Story that Changed History
Student Name: ______________________
Date: __________________
The Powerful Novel
In 1852, Harriet Beecher Stowe published a book called Uncle Tom’s Cabin. At that time, many people in the North did not know much about the cruelty of slavery in the South. Harriet wanted to show them the truth through a story.
The book told the story of an enslaved man named Tom and families who were torn apart. People who read it were heartbroken. They began to see enslaved people as real human beings with feelings, just like themselves.
The book was a massive hit! It sold more copies than almost any other book of that time. Because of this story, thousands of people joined the abolitionist movement—a group working to end slavery forever. When President Abraham Lincoln later met Harriet, he joked that she was the "little woman" who started the Civil War because her book was so powerful.
Part 1: Word Power
Draw a line to match the word on the left to its meaning on the right.
1. Abolitionist
2. Novel
3. Cruelty
4. Influence
A long story written in a book.
The power to change how someone thinks.
A person who wanted to end slavery.
Being mean or causing pain on purpose.
The Weekly Abolitionist Page 2
Part 2: Reading Detective
1. Why did Harriet Beecher Stowe write Uncle Tom's Cabin?
2. How did people in the North feel after they read the book?
3. According to the text, what happened when President Lincoln met Harriet?
The Weekly Abolitionist Page 3
Part 3: The Power of Your Pen
Harriet used a story to help people understand a big problem. Think of a problem in the world today that you care about. If you wrote a story to help people understand it, what would it be about?
My Topic is...
In my story, I want people to feel...
Because then they might...
"The pen is mightier than the sword."
History comes alive through stories.
Keep writing for freedom.
