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 Support for Garfield
Before the 1880 presidential election, 39-year-old lawyer Charles J. Guiteau handed out printed copies of a speech endorsing the favorite candidate for the Republican National Convention. Initially, the speech supported former President Ulysses S. Grant, who sought a third term, but lacked enough votes.
Garfield, recently elected as Ohio's senator, became the alternative. Guiteau switched the endorsement from Grant to Garfield, confident his speech was persuasive enough to win for either candidate.
Garfield's Victory and Guiteau's Expectations
Garfield narrowly defeated Democratic General Winfield Scott Hancock in the presidential race. Guiteau expected a reward for his efforts, demanding an important diplomatic post.
“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.”
However, the promised appointment never materialized. Garfield and his ally Blaine did not even know who Guiteau was.
Guiteau's sense of entitlement led to tragic consequences in this pivotal historical episode.
Author's summary: This series reveals the complex story of Charles J. Guiteau’s misguided ambition and the brief presidency of James A. Garfield, highlighting the fatal outcome of political entitlement and misunderstanding.