The podcast delves into the assassination of President James A. Garfield, revealing the twisted motivations of Charles Guiteau and the public's reaction. It discusses Garfield's humble beginnings and his commitment to abolition during tumultuous times. The conversation explores the spoils system in U.S. politics and the internal conflicts within the Republican Party. The tragic event inadvertently sparked crucial civil service reforms, leading to a merit-based government. Ultimately, Garfield's legacy became a catalyst for transforming the federal workforce.
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Garfield's Assassination at the Station
Charles Guiteau stalked and shot President Garfield at a train station without any security present.
Garfield was seriously wounded and later died due to infection from unsterilized medical treatment.
insights INSIGHT
Spoils System's Deadly Consequence
The spoils system rewarded government jobs based on political loyalty rather than merit.
Garfield's assassination led to public outrage against this corrupt practice.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Garfield's Journey from Poverty
James Garfield grew up poor but was brilliant and became a college president.
His early ambition was to become a sailor, but illness and family intervention redirected him to education.
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The Unexpected President, The Life and Times of Chester A. Arthur
The Unexpected President, The Life and Times of Chester A. Arthur
Scott Greenberger
Gentleman George Hunt Pendleton
Thomas S. Mach
This book provides a detailed examination of George Hunt Pendleton's life and political career, offering insights into the operations of the Democratic Party during his lifetime. It explores how Pendleton sought to unite the party around Jacksonian principles, contributing to the development of mid-western Democratic ideology. The biography also highlights Pendleton's significant legislative achievements, including the Pendleton Act of 1883.
Destiny of the republic
A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President
Candice Millard
This book by Candice Millard delves into the life and assassination of James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. It highlights the dramatic events surrounding his death, including the archaic medical treatments that ultimately led to his demise. The narrative also explores the broader context of the time, including the national mood post-Civil War, the political struggles within Garfield's administration, and the roles of key figures such as Alexander Graham Bell and Vice President Chester Arthur. The book is praised for its engaging storytelling and meticulous research.
When James Garfield won the Presidency in 1880, Charles Guiteau got ready to accept his new government job. No one had actually offered him a job – but he'd campaigned for Garfield, so he assumed he'd be rewarded. That was the spoils system, and it was how the government worked.
But President Garfield didn't hire him. Guiteau was furious. And on July 2, 1881, he followed Garfield to a Washington D.C. train station and shot him.
Today on the show: how an assassination meant to restore the spoils system instead led to its end, and birthed the modern federal workforce.
An earlier version of this episode incorrectly said that Abram Garfield fought a fire with his brothers. In fact, he fought the fire with his neighbors.
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