Violence Comes to Washington

 

The violence in Kansas was creating its own violence back in Washington. A fierce debate was taking place both in the House and the Senate. On May 19-20th Senator Charles Sumner gave an impassioned speech about the "crimes against Kansas". His speech was fierce and many of the attacks were highly personal in nature. Summer's speech produced an uproar. Two days after the speech Congressman Preston Brooks approach Summer on the House floor and told him that his speech libeled the State of South Carolina, Brooks then went on to beat Summer over the head with a cane. Summers fell uncouncious. Northerners were appalled- Southerners rejoiced in Brooks action. The Southern reaction further appalled Northerners and convinced many moderates to support the Republicans