I know what the Sumner/Brooks affair is, but how did it play a role in leading up to the civil war?

As Sumner was a liar, once he got beat up, he got a lot of attention. In the North, abolitionists made him a hero, whilst in the South, Brooks was an instant hero.

I suppose it demonstrated on both of their parts, how lack of civility can inflame passions that can get out of control.

Read this article. It will give you an idea of the antipathy on both sides prior to the Civil War.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Sumner#Antebellum_career_and_attack_by_Preston_Brooks

The Sumner/Brooks affair, which refers to an incident involving Senator Charles Sumner and Representative Preston Brooks in 1856, played a notable role in the buildup to the Civil War. The incident highlighted the growing tensions between the Northern and Southern states over the issue of slavery.

To understand the role it played, we need to examine the context and events surrounding the Sumner/Brooks affair.

1. Background: The issue of slavery was a major point of contention between the Northern and Southern states. Abolitionists in the North called for an end to slavery, while Southern states defended the institution as necessary for their economy and way of life. This divide had been escalating for decades.

2. The Caning of Charles Sumner: On May 22, 1856, Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts delivered a passionate anti-slavery speech in the Senate called "The Crime Against Kansas." In his speech, Sumner criticized pro-slavery politicians, including Senator Andrew Butler of South Carolina, and made personal attacks on him and the institution of slavery.

3. Preston Brooks' Attack: Two days after Sumner's speech, Representative Preston Brooks, a relative of Senator Butler from South Carolina, retaliated. On May 22, 1856, Brooks approached Sumner at his Senate desk and began beating him with a cane. Sumner was severely injured and had to spend several years recovering.

4. Public Reaction: The Sumner/Brooks incident received significant attention in the media and further deepened the divide between the North and the South. In the North, Sumner was seen as a martyr for his opposition to slavery, while the South idolized Brooks for defending Southern honor.

5. Impact: The Sumner/Brooks affair is often cited as an example of the breakdown of civility and compromise in American politics at the time. It further polarized the nation along sectional lines, reinforcing the notion that the two sides were irreconcilable. It also led to a decline in trust and respect between Northern and Southern politicians.

6. Symbolism and Radicalization: The violent nature of the attack and the ensuing reactions represented a growing radicalization on both sides. The incident became a rallying cry for abolitionists, particularly in the North, who saw it as proof of the South's oppressive stance on slavery. It also fueled secessionist sentiments in the South, where Brooks was celebrated as a hero.

In summary, the Sumner/Brooks affair, through the passionate debates, public reactions, and sectional divisions it highlighted, further strained the already fragile relationship between the North and the South. It served as a pivotal event that deepened the divide, leading to increased radicalization and a heightened sense of tension, eventually contributing to the outbreak of the Civil War.