Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 18 (of 20)

"Charles Sumner: his complete works, volume 18 (of 20)" by Charles Sumner is a compilation of speeches and writings centered on civil rights and fairness, capturing the spirit of the late 1800s. The book showcases Sumner's compelling speeches as a U.S. Senator, tackling important issues during the Reconstruction, particularly the rights of African Americans. His arguments champion fairness, highlighting the necessity of a national law to safeguard human rights from injustices at the state level. Covering the years 1870 and 1871, speeches include critical discussions such as Mississippi's admission into the Senate, along with debates on the first African American senator and the Fifteenth Amendment. Sumner passionately stresses the importance of human rights over old-fashioned ideas, specifically highlighting the need for equality after the Civil War, advocating for laws that protect all citizens, and questioning the social and political ideas of his time.