The Surprise Election and Political Murder of President James Garfield

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In 1880, James A. Garfield, a relatively unknown congressman from Ohio, unexpectedly emerged as the Republican nominee for president. His victory stunned the nation and set the stage for one of the most dramatic and tragic presidencies in American history.

DARK HORSE: The Surprise Election and Political Murder of President James A. Garfield

by Kenneth D. Ackerman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3830 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	498 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Garfield's election was a surprise because he was not a well-known figure on the national stage. He had served in the House of Representatives for only six years, and he was not considered to be a leading contender for the presidency. However, Garfield had a reputation for being a hard worker and a skilled politician. He was also a charismatic speaker and a popular figure in his home state of Ohio.

The 1880 Republican National Convention was a contentious affair. The delegates were divided between several different candidates, and there was no clear front-runner. Garfield was able to emerge from the convention as the nominee because he was seen as a compromise candidate who could unite the party. He was also able to benefit from the support of several powerful party bosses.

Garfield's victory in the general election was a narrow one. He defeated the Democratic nominee, Winfield Scott Hancock, by a margin of just over 10,000 votes. Garfield's victory was due in part to the fact that the Republican Party was able to unite behind him, while the Democratic Party was divided. Garfield also benefited from the fact that the economy was strong at the time of the election.

Garfield's presidency began with great promise. He was a popular figure, and he had a strong mandate from the people. However, his presidency was soon overshadowed by the assassination attempt that took his life in July 1881.

Garfield was shot by Charles Guiteau, a mentally disturbed office seeker who believed that Garfield had cheated him out of a patronage job. Guiteau was quickly apprehended and tried for murder. He was found guilty and sentenced to death.

Garfield's death was a great tragedy for the nation. He was a promising young leader who had only just begun to make his mark on history. His death also had a profound impact on the course of American history. The assassination of Garfield led to the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which helped to end the spoils system that had plagued American politics for decades.

The story of James A. Garfield's presidency is a fascinating one. It is a story of triumph and tragedy, of hope and despair. It is a story that sheds light on the turbulent era in American history.

Additional Resources

• The White House: James A. Garfield
• History.com: James A. Garfield
• Encyclopedia Britannica: James A. Garfield

DARK HORSE: The Surprise Election and Political Murder of President James A. Garfield

by Kenneth D. Ackerman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3830 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	498 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE