In 1856 Congressman Preston Brooks nearly beats Senator Charles Sumner to death on the floor of the United States Congress. The authors maintain this level of violence "serves to illustrate…the United States [was] a deeply divided nation." Some would argue the United States is currently deeply divided as well. Do you think the country is as split as it was in the 19th century? In what ways is the current situation similar to the pre-Civil War era, and in what ways is it different, in your opinion?