Here's why:
* Portrayal of Slavery: Southerners saw the book as a deeply inaccurate and inflammatory portrayal of slavery. They believed it misrepresented the lives of both slaves and slaveholders, and felt it fueled abolitionist sentiment.
* Dehumanization of Slaveholders: The book often depicted slaveholders as cruel and heartless, which angered and offended many Southerners who saw themselves as benevolent and caring towards their slaves.
* Propaganda: Southerners viewed the book as a piece of abolitionist propaganda aimed at stirring up public opinion against the South and ultimately leading to the destruction of their way of life.
Reactions:
* Outrage and Condemnation: There were widespread public protests and condemnations of the book. Some Southerners even organized boycotts of Harriet Beecher Stowe's other works.
* Counter Narratives: Southern writers and newspapers responded by publishing their own narratives of slavery, emphasizing the supposed benefits of the institution and portraying slaves as happy and content.
* Political Impact: The book played a role in solidifying the divide between North and South, further contributing to the tensions that led to the Civil War.
It's important to note that there were likely some Southerners who found the book insightful or even sympathetic, but these voices were largely overshadowed by the widespread rejection and condemnation.
The impact of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was immense, not only in its literary success but also in its contribution to the growing tension that would ultimately lead to the Civil War.