Who Was the Real James Garfield?
James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, is often overlooked in history despite his potential to become one of the great leaders. His presidency lasted only 200 days after emerging as a surprise candidate in the 1880 election.
The Tragic Presidency
Garfield is primarily remembered as one of the four U.S. presidents who were assassinated, alongside Abraham Lincoln (1865), William McKinley (1901), and John F. Kennedy (1963). His assassination cut short what many believed could have been a remarkable tenure.
A President of Principle
Known for his brilliant mind and humble leadership, Garfield was a strong advocate against corruption and sought to modernize the country’s political landscape. His commitment to principles defined his brief time in office.
"If he had lived, who knows what he might have accomplished."
Why Remember James Garfield?
As a new Netflix drama explores the events leading to his assassination, it is an opportunity to reexamine Garfield’s life and legacy as a significant ‘what if’ figure in American politics.
Author’s summary: James Garfield's brief presidency showed great promise, and his fight against corruption marked him as a leader whose full impact remains a compelling historical mystery.