Through the characters in her famous novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, this daughter of a minister exposed the horrors of slavery and influenced the course of American history. Nine years after the release of her instantly best-selling book, the Civil War began. Harriet’s deep love for God and her sense of justice is evident in all of the books she wrote. She traveled extensively, spoke to thousands in the US and abroad, and even dined with Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle. Even through the times of tragedy in her life, Harriet continued to give generously to others. After the Civil War, she bought a plantation and hired back the displaced former slaves. She personally taught hundreds of former slaves to read and write.