Charles Sumner was an important American politician and abolitionist in the 19th century. He served as a senator from Massachusetts and was a strong advocate for ending slavery. Sumner believed in equal rights for all people and fought against the injustices faced by African Americans. His passionate speeches in the U.S. Senate made him a prominent figure in the fight for civil rights. In 1856, Sumner was famously attacked by Preston Brooks, a pro-slavery congressman, after delivering a speech that criticized slavery and its supporters. This brutal incident highlighted the intense divisions in the country over slavery and made Sumner a symbol of the anti-slavery movement. His dedication to justice and equality left a lasting impact on American history.