21. Charles Sumner
Charles Sumner was a politician who put personal morals and beliefs above party doctrine throughout his career, changing parties several times rather than support positions contrary to his conscience. During the American Civil War he worked tirelessly with President Lincoln to keep England and France from recognizing and supporting the Confederacy, and during Reconstruction his efforts in the US Senate helped keep control out of the hands of former Confederates and ensure equal rights for the newly freed slaves. A disagreement with President Grant cost him much of his power in the Senate, but his influence on the Reconstruction of the South is indisputable.
