The Real Story Behind Netflix

The limited series portrays the brief presidency of the 20th commander-in-chief, James A. Garfield, who was fatally shot by Charles J. Guiteau. Guiteau was a lawyer who believed he had helped secure Garfield's election.

Guiteau’s Campaign Effort

Before the 1880 presidential election, 39-year-old lawyer Charles J. Guiteau handed out printed copies of a speech to anyone willing to listen. The speech originally supported the clear favorite at the Republican National Convention, two-time former President Ulysses S. Grant.

However, Grant lacked enough votes to secure a third nomination. Instead, Garfield, recently elected as an Ohio Senator, became the candidate. Guiteau didn’t mind which Ohio Civil War officer was chosen; he simply replaced Grant’s name with Garfield’s, confident his speech was persuasive enough for either to win.

Election and Expectation

Garfield won the presidency, narrowly defeating Democratic Civil War General Winfield Scott Hancock. After the election, Guiteau expected a reward.

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

He sought an important diplomatic role, but the appointment never materialized. The main issue was that neither Garfield nor his ally Blaine knew who Guiteau was.

Summary

This dramatization highlights Guiteau’s misguided belief that his speech guaranteed him a diplomatic post, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.

Would you like the summary to be more formal or conversational?

Smithsonian Magazine — 2025-11-07