Key Highlights
- The tragic murder of US President James Garfield in 1881 is the subject of a new Netflix miniseries.
- The series, titled “Death by Lightning,” dramatizes the life and legacy of Garfield and his assassin Charles Guiteau.
- Garfield’s presidency was marked by ambitious plans for civil rights and reform, but he died from sepsis after being shot.
- The miniseries explores the “what if” scenario of a president who could have been one of America’s most remarkable leaders.
James Garfield: A Promising Presidency Cut Short
In 1880, the United States faced significant challenges. Formerly enslaved people were awaiting recognition as full citizens, and an entrenched patronage system threatened to undermine merit-based governance. As delegates gathered for the Republican National Convention in June of that year, they heard a compelling speech from James Garfield, a congressman from Ohio.
His eloquence and progressive stance resonated with the attendees, leading to his nomination for president.
Garfield’s rise to the highest office in the land was meteoric; he had risen out of poverty, much like Abraham Lincoln before him, and had distinguished himself as a Union commander during the Civil War. Despite his reluctance, Garfield accepted the nomination and went on to win the presidency in November 1880.
The Tragic Assassination
Four months after his inauguration in March 1881, President Garfield was shot at the Baltimore and Potomac railroad station by Charles Guiteau. The assassin, driven by delusions of grandeur, believed that he deserved a post in the administration as recompense for his support during the campaign.
Garfield’s condition deteriorated rapidly due to poor medical care. Dr.
Wilfred Bliss, who insisted on treating the president despite lacking knowledge of antiseptic methods, exacerbated Garfield’s injuries and contributed to his death from sepsis in September 1881. The tragedy galvanized demands for civil service reform.
A New Netflix Miniseries Revisits Garfield’s Presidency
Netflix has produced a four-part drama titled “Death by Lightning,” which explores the life and legacy of President James Garfield and his assassin, Charles Guiteau. The miniseries, written by Michael Makowsky and starring Michael Shannon as Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as Guiteau, delves into their contrasting journeys.
Makowsky’s script draws on the detailed work of historian Candice Millard, who wrote “Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President.” The series aims to remind viewers that even small events can alter history significantly. As Makowsky explains, “I hope it’s a reminder that you don’t have to have a big event to change the course of history. In this case, the combination of one man’s madness and another’s ignorance and petty ambitions devastated an entire nation.”
Garfield’s Ambitious Agenda and Legacy
Despite his untimely death, President Garfield left behind a legacy marked by ambitious plans for reform. He appointed Frederick Douglass as recorder of deeds for the District of Columbia, making him the first African American to hold a prominent federal office. Additionally, he sought to expand trade with Latin America and upgrade the US Navy.
Garfield’s presidency also involved clashes with powerful politicians like Roscoe Conkling, who opposed Garfield’s progressive instincts and efforts to reform the patronage system.
His death galvanized public support for civil service reforms that led to the Pendleton Act of 1883, which established merit-based standards for federal employment.
In conclusion, “Death by Lightning” offers a compelling exploration of President James Garfield’s life and the tragic circumstances surrounding his assassination. By revisiting this pivotal moment in American history, the miniseries invites viewers to reflect on the impact of individual actions and their potential consequences.
