Sumner–Brooks Caning Incident

The Sumner–Brooks Caning Incident occurred in 1856 when Congressman Preston Brooks attacked Senator Charles Sumner with a cane on the Senate floor. Tensions had risen over abolitionist debates and regional conflicts over slavery. Brooks was angered by Sumner's harsh speech criticizing pro-slavery activists, including a personal insult. In response, Brooks assaulted Sumner, severely beating him, which shocked the nation and highlighted the deep divisions leading to the Civil War. The incident underscored the intense political and sectional conflicts of the time.