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3. Blood on the Senate Floor

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A drawing showing the caning of Charles Sumner, who is laying on the ground holding a feather pen in one hand and a scroll that says “kansas” in the other.
Boston Athenæum
Political caricature of the caning, depicting Sen. Charles Sumner on the floor holding a pen and his "Crime against Kansas" speech as Rep. Preston Brooks lunges at him.

This week on Scandalized, we go back to the 1850s, and things get violent. A U.S. Senator clings to life after being beaten in the halls of Congress by one of his colleagues. The caning of Senator Charles Sumner; its causes, its consequences and its familiar political divisions. 

A transcript of this episode is available.

Content Warning: Violence and blood

For more sources and bonus info on this episode, visit www.scandalizedpod.com.

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