The Real Story Behind Netflix
The new limited series dramatizes the brief presidency of the 20th commander in chief, James A. Garfield, who was fatally shot by Charles J. Guiteau, a lawyer convinced he had secured Garfield's election.
Charles J. Guiteau’s Role in the 1880 Election
Ahead of the 1880 presidential election, 39-year-old lawyer Charles J. Guiteau distributed printed copies of a speech endorsing the likely Republican nominee. Initially, it supported two-time former President Ulysses S. Grant. However, Grant lacked enough support to win a third nomination, so Garfield, recently elected Senator from Ohio, became the alternative candidate. Guiteau simply replaced Grant’s name with Garfield’s in his speech, believing his arguments were powerful enough to elect either man.
Garfield’s Narrow Victory and Guiteau’s Expectation
Garfield won the presidential race by narrowly defeating Democratic Civil War General Winfield Scott Hancock. Following the election, Guiteau expected to be rewarded for his efforts with a significant diplomatic position.
“I hereby make a formal application for the Austrian Mission,” Guiteau wrote to Garfield and incoming Secretary of State James G. “I feel I have a right to do it on account of my services during the canvass.”
Rejected Appointment
However, Guiteau’s application was unsuccessful. Neither Garfield nor his Secretary of State, Blaine, were familiar with him, which prevented the appointment from being granted.
Author’s Summary
The series explores how Guiteau’s delusions and failed ambitions intertwined with Garfield’s short presidency, leading to a fatal and historic event.