Which senator was famously attacked for his anti-slavery speech and severely injured?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Study for the UCF AMH2010 U.S. History: 1492-1877 exam. Practice with flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations. Prepare effectively for your success!

Charles Sumner was famously attacked in 1856 for his outspoken anti-slavery speech, known as "The Crime Against Kansas." His speech denounced pro-slavery forces and specifically targeted Senator Andrew Butler of South Carolina. This incited a violent reaction from Representative Preston Brooks, who was Butler's cousin. Brooks entered the Senate chamber and brutally assaulted Sumner with a cane, leaving him severely injured. This incident exemplified the intense sectional conflict over slavery in the United States and highlighted the rising tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War. Sumner's attack became a symbol of the violent struggle over the issue of slavery and illustrated how deeply divided the nation was during this period.