In March 1881, James A. Garfield was inaugurated as President, facing the daunting challenge of fulfilling an ambitious agenda amidst a politically charged environment. One of the pivotal tasks in telling this complex story was handled by documentary filmmaker Makowsky, who focused on the contrasting narratives of Garfield and his assassin, Charles Guiteau. According to Makowsky, “Both men cared very much about being known,” highlighting the stark difference between Garfield’s ascent to the presidency and Guiteau’s obsessive yet fruitless pursuit of significance.
Guiteau, a man who had experienced repeated failures in various professions, from law to journalism, became fixated on Garfield following his unexpected nomination as the Republican candidate. His determination to secure a role in Garfield’s administration led him to frequent the president’s New York campaign office. Despite his erratic behavior, Guiteau believed he had a divine purpose tied to Garfield’s success. Upon Garfield’s victory, he naively expected an appointment as Ambassador to France or another prestigious position in return for his support.
In stark contrast, Garfield set forth with progressive goals, seeking to reform the spoils system, bolster the U.S. Navy, expand trade with Latin America, and advocate for civil rights. His administration saw significant appointments, including that of Frederick Douglass, a former slave and renowned social reformer, who became the first African American to hold a prominent federal office.
However, Garfield’s ambitions were met with fierce opposition from powerful political figures like Roscoe Conkling, the Republican senator from New York, who sought to control the distribution of influential government positions. This struggle exemplified the intense factionalism within the Republican Party during Garfield’s presidency.
The narrative of Garfield and Guiteau encapsulates a broader tale of ambition and the lengths individuals will go to achieve their goals, all set against the backdrop of a pivotal moment in American history. The story highlights the profound impact of personal ambition on public life and the intricate dynamics of political power during the late 19th century.