In 1852, just nine years before the start of the Civil War in 1861, Harriet Stowe published arguably the most influential, revolutionary, and controversial book in American history , Uncle Tom's Cabin. The novel attracted widespread criticism for its depiction of African Americans and slaves at a time when the United States of America was on the brink of civil unrest due to the strength of opposing views between the North and South . The rapid expansion and growth of the United States throughout the 19th century led to an increased demand for labor, and slavery was not only viable but also essential to the economic prosperity of the Southern states. . The debate over slavery was debated throughout the young nation's history, and the late mid-1800s brought the country to a crossroads. The publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin sparked national emotion over whether or not African Americans were equal, whether they should be free, and what to do about slavery. In one of the earliest moments in American history, the roots of slavery began to take hold in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619 (“Slavery in America”). The reasoning behind slave ownership was selfish and simple; slavery provided cheap and superfluous labor that could survive enormous abuse and needed very little to survive. Before the use of slaves, Europeans relied heavily on indentured servants, individuals who owed debt and therefore traveled to the new world to settle their debt for a number of years until they were released. This left wealthy individuals who held servants in a constant struggle to attract more workers, but slavery provided a remedy for this problem. For decades, slavery spread and grew ... middle of paper ... of a great American anecdote. "Lincoln, Stowe and the Story of the “Little Women/Great War”: The Making and Breaking of a Great American Anecdote, nd Web. March 28, 2014. Reynolds, David S. “Introduction: The Case of the Uncle Tom and the Battle for America: WW Norton &, 2011. Print. “Slavery in America.” A&E Television Networks, March 27, 2014. Stowe, Uncle Tom's Cabin, or Life Amongst. the humble, NY: Reader's Digest, 1991. Print. “Today in History: Uncle Tom's Cabin”: June 5, nd Web March 28, 2014. and American Culture by Thomas F. Uncle Tom's Cabin and Mid-Nineteenth Century United States: Pen and Conscience by Moira Davison Reynolds Reviewed by: Bryan F. Le Beau American Quarterly, Vol 38, No. 4 (Fall). 1986), pp... 668-674