James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, stands as one of history’s most tragic and overlooked figures. Rising from humble beginnings, Garfield’s life was marked by notable achievements and a passionate commitment to reform that promised to shape the nation’s future. However, his presidency was cut short by an assassination after only four months in office, a moment that not only ended his life but intensified the nation’s struggle with political corruption and reform.
At the 1880 Republican National Convention, Garfield emerged as a unifying figure amid a divided political climate. His stirring speech called for justice for all Americans and an end to the spoils system, where government jobs were awarded based on patronage rather than merit. His rise from poverty to Civil War hero to congressman symbolized hope and progress to many, solidifying his nomination. Despite initially resisting the call to presidency, Garfield was elected the nation’s leader in November 1880, fulfilling the hopes of many.
Trailer for “Death by Lightning” just dropped, a limited series about James Garfield and his assassin Charles Guiteau.
I’m interested to check it out! pic.twitter.com/Q6mkKiXRch— History Calendar (@historycalendar) October 9, 2025
Garfield’s ambitious agenda included upgrading the navy, expanding trade with Latin America, and advocating civil rights, exemplified by his appointment of Frederick Douglass to a prominent federal office. Yet, his reformist stance invited fierce opposition from entrenched political forces, particularly Senator Roscoe Conkling, who wielded substantial influence over government appointments and had forced the vice-presidential nomination of Chester A. Arthur.
The tragedy unfolded on July 2, 1881, when Garfield was shot twice by Charles Guiteau, a mentally unstable office seeker who believed he had been instrumental in Garfield’s election and expected a diplomatic post in return. Guiteau’s delusion and rejection drove him to this deadly act. Garfield’s initial wound was survivable, but medical mismanagement, including unsterilized equipment and lack of antiseptic use, led to infections and severe complications, ultimately causing his death 79 days later.
This assassination laid bare the grim realities of political corruption and healthcare limitations of the time. Garfield’s lingering suffering ignited public outcry that culminated in the Pendleton Act’s passage under Arthur’s presidency—marking a crucial shift toward merit-based civil service and away from patronage politics. This reform professionalized federal employment, shaping American governance for generations.
The story of James Garfield’s presidency and assassination was powerfully brought to life in the Netflix series Death By Lightning, starring Michael Shannon as Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as Guiteau. The dramatization explores not only the historical events but the themes of ambition, madness, and the high costs of reform and leadership.
Garfield’s legacy remains that of a leader who could have been remarkable, had his life not been tragically cut short. His call for democracy, equality, and integrity echoes as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities and possibilities within American history.