HistoryUS Presidents
Remembering JFK: 62nd Anniversary of the Assassination
Sixty-two years after the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, the event continues to resonate. This article examine...
7 months ago
HistoryUS Presidents
The Tragic Murder of President James Garfield: Netflix's 'Death by Lightning' Unveiled
7 months agoUS
Netflix's new series, 'Death by Lightning,' delves into the tragic assassination of US President James Garfield in 1881. The series, based on Candice Millard's book 'Destiny of the Republic,' explores the political corruption and medical malpractice that contributed to Garfield's death just four months into his presidency. The show aims to shed light on a pivotal moment in American history, revealing the madness and ignorance that altered the nation's course.
Key Insights
•
Garfield's Promising Agenda:: President Garfield aimed to reform civil service, expand trade with Latin America, and advocate for civil rights.
•
The Assassin's Delusion:: Charles Guiteau, driven by mental instability and a belief in the spoils system, assassinated Garfield after being denied a government position.
•
Medical Malpractice:: Garfield's death was significantly hastened by Dr. Wilfred Bliss's unsanitized medical practices, highlighting the lack of understanding of germ theory at the time.
•
Civil Service Reform:: Garfield's assassination spurred the passage of the Pendleton Act in 1883, which established merit-based standards for federal government employment. **Why this matters:** This act professionalized the federal bureaucracy, ensuring that government transactions were less influenced by personal politics.
•
Historical Accuracy:: While the series takes some artistic liberties, it remains largely faithful to historical events, emphasizing the insanity and unfathomable nature of 19th-century politics.
In-Depth Analysis
The series 'Death by Lightning' dramatizes the events leading up to and following Garfield's assassination. It contrasts Garfield's promising career with Guiteau's descent into madness. Key plot points include Guiteau's obsession with securing a political appointment, Garfield's progressive agenda clashing with political rivals like Roscoe Conkling, and the fatal medical mishandling of Garfield's wounds. The show also addresses the historical context of the era, including the lack of presidential security and the rudimentary understanding of germ theory.
The series highlights the political environment of the time, where anyone could walk into the White House and request an audience with the President. This lack of security, combined with Guiteau's mental instability, created the conditions for Garfield's assassination. The show also explores the impact of Garfield's death, which led to significant civil service reforms.
FAQs
•
Q: Was James Garfield really a stand-up guy?
The show alludes to past problems in Garfield's marriage, and there's historical evidence suggesting a close friendship with Kate Sprague, the paramour of his political rival, Roscoe Conkling.
•
Q: Could people really just freely walk up to Senators and Presidents in the 1880s?
Yes, presidents didn't have security detail, and anyone could show up and have an audience with the president.
•
Q: Was Guiteau's brain really kept by the government?
Yes, his brain was removed as a medical specimen and is stored at a military base in Maryland.
•
Q: Was Garfield really killed by an infection caused by his doctors?
Yes, germ theory was not widely accepted at the time, and doctors did not sanitize medical tools, leading to a fatal infection.
Key Takeaways
•
James Garfield's assassination was a pivotal moment in US history, leading to civil service reforms.
•
The political climate of the 19th century was marked by corruption and a lack of security for political figures.
•
Medical practices at the time were rudimentary, contributing to Garfield's death.
•
'Death by Lightning' offers an engaging and largely accurate portrayal of these events.
Discussion
What do you think? Share your thoughts on the accuracy and impact of 'Death by Lightning'!
Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Related Articles
⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer