Here's why:
* It depicted slavery as inhumane and brutal: The novel, through its characters and stories, exposed the harsh realities of slavery and painted a picture of its cruelty and dehumanizing effects. This directly challenged the Southern view of slavery as a benevolent institution.
* It portrayed slave owners as cruel and heartless: Stowe's depiction of slave owners, particularly Simon Legree, as brutal and sadistic, further fueled Southern anger. They saw it as a distorted and unfair portrayal of themselves.
* It fueled abolitionist sentiment: The book's popularity across the North and even Europe significantly amplified the abolitionist movement. It became a powerful tool for spreading awareness about the evils of slavery and urging the end of the institution.
* It threatened the South's economic and social fabric: The Southern economy was heavily reliant on slave labor. They saw abolitionism as a direct threat to their way of life and feared losing their power and influence.
The South's response was multifaceted:
* Outrage and condemnation: Southerners denounced the novel as propaganda, accusing Stowe of exaggeration and blatant lies.
* Efforts to discredit the book: They published counter-narratives and argued that the book misrepresented the realities of slavery.
* Increased pro-slavery sentiment: The novel's influence fueled even more passionate support for slavery and deepened the divide between North and South.
Overall, Uncle Tom's Cabin was a powerful and controversial book that deeply divided the nation. It exposed the injustices of slavery, fueled abolitionist sentiment, and contributed to the increasing tension that ultimately led to the Civil War.