Here are the key reasons:
* To expose the horrors of slavery: Stowe wanted to show the world the true nature of slavery, not as a mere economic system, but as a brutal and dehumanizing institution. She aimed to dispel any romanticized notions of the South and portray the suffering and injustice inflicted on enslaved people.
* To evoke empathy and moral awakening: Stowe believed that by appealing to readers' emotions, she could awaken their conscience and stimulate a sense of moral outrage against slavery. She hoped to make people understand the humanity of enslaved people and to challenge the prevailing attitudes of the time.
* To advance the abolitionist cause: "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was published during a time of intense debate over slavery in America. Stowe saw the book as a powerful tool to influence public opinion and to push for the abolition of slavery.
In her preface, Stowe writes, "I have attempted to give a truthful picture of the actual workings of the institution of slavery, and to show its effect on the character and happiness of those who are its victims." She also emphasizes the importance of addressing the issue of slavery, saying, "We must be sure that the light of truth, however unwelcome, must be let in upon it, before it can be healed."
It's important to note that while Stowe was a fervent abolitionist, she also intended her book to appeal to a wider audience. She sought to reach those who might not be aware of the atrocities of slavery or who might hold ambivalent views on the issue.