The Real Story Behind Netflix
The new limited series depicts the short presidency of the 20th U.S. commander in chief, who was fatally shot by Charles J. Guiteau, a lawyer convinced he had secured James A. Garfield's election.
Guiteau's Campaign Efforts
Before the 1880 presidential election, 39-year-old lawyer Charles J. Guiteau handed out printed copies of a speech to anyone willing to listen. Originally, it endorsed the clear favorite at the Republican National Convention: two-time former President Ulysses S. Grant. However, Grant lacked the votes to secure the nomination for a third term.
Guiteau then replaced Grant’s name with Garfield’s, recently elected as Ohio’s Senator, believing his speech was so compelling it could elect either candidate. Garfield narrowly won the presidency, defeating Democratic Civil War General Winfield Scott Hancock.
Expectations vs. Reality
Confident his efforts had secured Garfield’s victory, Guiteau expected a reward. He formally requested a diplomatic post abroad, writing to Garfield and the incoming Secretary of State James G. Blaine:
“I hereby make a formal application for the Austrian Mission. I feel I have a right to do it on account of my services during the canvass.”
However, this appointment never materialized. Neither Garfield nor Blaine knew Guiteau personally, undermining his claim.
Author’s Summary
This series reveals how a deluded lawyer’s misguided ambitions impacted a presidency cut tragically short.