A Presidential Historian Explains What to Know Before Watching "Death by Lightning"
The series explores the assassination of President James A. Garfield and highlights less-remembered presidents often excluded from presidential history’s usual lineup.
Reevaluating Presidential History
Traditional presidential history tends to focus on a select group of figures such as Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Jackson, the Roosevelts, Kennedy, and Reagan. Lesser-known presidents, like Chester A. Arthur and James A. Garfield, rarely receive prominent attention. Netflix’s limited series Death by Lightning breaks this pattern by giving Arthur and Garfield leading roles.
America in the 1880s
The 1880s were a period of moral and political decline following Reconstruction. America struggled with a deteriorating conscience and widespread corruption.
James A. Garfield’s Background
James Abram Garfield emerged from this tumultuous era as a distinguished figure. He was a former classics professor, Civil War hero, and nine-term congressman from Ohio. He commanded the 42nd Ohio Infantry and demonstrated bravery at the Battle of Chickamauga.
Garfield’s scholarly nature was evident in his ability to translate Greek for enjoyment and recite Psalms from memory. He viewed intellectual service as a vital form of public duty.
“We should not nominate a man whom we can carry, but one who can carry us.” – James A. Garfield, Republican convention speech in Chicago
Garfield’s Unexpected Rise
Despite initially not seeking the presidency, Garfield became the sole compromise candidate after thirty-six ballots at the Republican convention, demonstrating that sometimes unexpected leaders emerge during political deadlocks.
Summary
Death by Lightning revives overlooked presidential stories, emphasizing Garfield’s integrity amid a corrupt era and highlighting the unpredictability of political leadership.
Author’s summary: This series reexamines forgotten presidents, revealing James A. Garfield’s courageous rise and principled character during America’s troubled 1880s.
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