POTUS

James A. Garfield: A Rundown for AP United States History

James A. Garfield was the 20th President of the United States, serving only a few months in 1881 before his assassination. His life was one of impressive academic and military achievement, cut tragically short.

Events Associated With

• Civil War: Garfield served as a Union general during the Civil War, participating in several key battles, including Chickamauga.
• Credit Mobilier Scandal: While Garfield was never directly implicated, his association with individuals involved in the scandal tarnished his reputation. The Credit Mobilier scandal was a major political scandal involving the Union Pacific Railroad and the Credit Mobilier of America construction company. It involved bribery of congressmen to cover up fraudulent activities.
• Election of 1880: Garfield won a close election against Democrat Winfield Scott Hancock. The election was highly contested, particularly concerning economic and racial issues.
• Assassination: Garfield’s presidency was tragically cut short when he was shot by a disgruntled office seeker, Charles Guiteau, in July 1881. He died several weeks later from infection related to the wound.

Important Legislation

• Garfield’s short tenure meant that he signed relatively few pieces of legislation. However, he advocated for civil service reform and sought to reduce the national debt.
• Revival of the Navy: Garfield advocated to rebuild the outdated United States Navy

Groups Affiliations

• Republicans: Garfield was a staunch member of the Republican Party.
• Radical Republicans: Garfield was a member of the Radical Republicans during the Civil War, advocating for the abolition of slavery and the protection of black civil rights.
• Freemasons: Garfield was a member of the Freemasons.

Impact on the Country

• Civil Service Reform: Garfield’s assassination, fueled by the spoils system, galvanized public opinion in favor of civil service reform. His death ultimately led to the passage of the Pendleton Act, which established a merit-based system for government jobs.
• Symbol of Opportunity: Garfield’s rise from humble beginnings to the presidency represented the American ideal of upward mobility and opportunity. His life story inspired many.
• Legacy of Potential: Garfield’s brief presidency left many wondering what he could have accomplished had he lived longer. His commitment to civil rights and reform suggests that he would have been a significant leader during a critical period in American history.