The Real Story Behind Netflix

The new limited series explores the short presidency of the 20th U.S. commander in chief, who was fatally shot by Charles J. Guiteau—a lawyer convinced that his efforts had secured James A. Garfield’s election.

The Aspirations of Charles J. Guiteau

Before the 1880 presidential race, 39-year-old attorney Charles J. Guiteau distributed printed copies of his campaign speech to anyone willing to read it. Initially, his endorsement favored former President Ulysses S. Grant, the frontrunner heading into the Republican National Convention.

However, Grant failed to secure the necessary votes for a third nomination. The delegates instead rallied around James A. Garfield, a Civil War officer and senator from Ohio. Unfazed, Guiteau simply substituted Garfield’s name into his speech, convinced his rhetoric could propel either man to victory.

Garfield’s Victory and Guiteau’s Expectations

Garfield narrowly triumphed over Democratic opponent and Civil War General Winfield Scott Hancock. Feeling instrumental in that success, Guiteau believed he was owed a reward—ideally a diplomatic post abroad.

“I hereby make a formal application for the Austrian Mission,” Guiteau wrote to President Garfield and Secretary of State James G. Blaine. “I feel I have a right to do it on account of my services during the canvass.”

Yet his wish went unfulfilled. Garfield and Blaine, having no idea who Guiteau actually was, ignored the unsolicited petition.

Author’s Summary

Guiteau’s misplaced confidence and obsession with recognition turned a failed political favor into one of America’s most tragic presidential assassinations.

Smithsonian Magazine — 2025-11-07