Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 13 (of 20)

"Charles Sumner: His Complete Works, Volume 13" by Charles Sumner is a historical work from the late 1800s that brings together Sumner's speeches and proposed laws during a pivotal era in American history. The book focuses on Reconstruction and the fight for civil rights for those who were once enslaved. It showcases key political struggles of the time, like the right to vote for black citizens, the re-establishment of republican governments, and what the end of slavery really meant for the Constitution. Beginning with Congress on December 4, 1865, the book dives into legislative actions and political arguments. Sumner pushed for laws to ensure equal rights, protect the right to a jury trial for black people, and strengthen the constitutional amendments that outlawed slavery. The book also suggests the difficult political climate of the time, noting President Johnson's opposition and the dangerous situation Sumner and African Americans faced as they worked toward justice and equality.