The Real Story Behind Netflix
The new limited series explores the brief presidency of the 20th U.S. Commander in Chief, James A. Garfield, who was fatally shot by Charles J. Guiteau—a lawyer convinced that he played a pivotal role in Garfield's election.
Prelude to the 1880 Election
Before the 1880 presidential race, Charles J. Guiteau, a 39-year-old attorney, printed and distributed copies of his self-written speech to anyone willing to listen. Initially, the speech endorsed former President Ulysses S. Grant, the leading contender for another Republican nomination. However, Grant's support faltered, and the nomination went to Senator James A. Garfield of Ohio instead.
Guiteau easily altered the text, replacing Grant’s name with Garfield’s, convinced that his eloquence alone could secure victory for either man. In the end, Garfield narrowly defeated Democratic candidate and Civil War general Winfield Scott Hancock.
Guiteau’s Delusional Ambitions
Following the election, Guiteau believed he deserved a high-ranking position in the new administration. Feeling entitled to recognition, he formally sought a diplomatic post.
“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.”
However, the request went unanswered. Garfield and Blaine had no knowledge of Guiteau or his supposed contributions, dismissing him as a stranger rather than a supporter.
Author’s Summary
The story uncovers how political obsession and self-delusion drove Charles Guiteau to seek validation from a president who never even knew his name.