The Real Story Behind Netflix

The new limited series portrays the brief leadership of the 20th U.S. president, James A. Garfield, who was fatally shot by Charles J. Guiteau, a lawyer convinced he helped secure Garfield's election.

Charles J. Guiteau’s Role Before the Election

Before the 1880 presidential election, 39-year-old lawyer Charles J. Guiteau distributed printed copies of a speech to anyone who would listen. The speech originally endorsed the leading candidate at the Republican National Convention: former President Ulysses S. Grant.

However, Grant lacked enough votes to secure a third nomination. Instead, Garfield, recently elected senator from Ohio, emerged as the preferred candidate. Guiteau swapped Grant's name with Garfield’s in the speech, confident that his words could win the election for either man.

Election Outcome and Guiteau’s Expectations

Garfield narrowly defeated Democratic Civil War General Winfield Scott Hancock in the presidential race. Following the victory, Guiteau expected to be rewarded with an important diplomatic position.

“I hereby make a formal application for the Austrian Mission,” Guiteau wrote to 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.”

Despite his demands, the appointment never materialized, as neither Garfield nor Blaine knew who Guiteau was.

Summary

This series dramatizes the complex and tragic story behind Garfield’s presidency, highlighting how Guiteau’s misguided ambitions led to a fatal outcome.

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Smithsonian Magazine — 2025-11-06