Senator Charles Sumner was an American politician and a prominent abolitionist during the mid-19th century. He served as a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts from 1851 until his death in 1874. Sumner was known for his strong opposition to slavery and his advocacy for civil rights, making significant contributions to the Republican Party and the fight for equality. In 1856, Sumner delivered a famous speech titled "The Crime Against Kansas," which criticized pro-slavery forces. This speech led to a violent incident in which he was attacked by Representative Preston Brooks on the Senate floor. Despite his injuries, Sumner continued to champion civil rights and social justice throughout his career.