Plain English with Derek Thompson: Plain History Volume 1 – Who Killed President James Garfield?
Release Date: January 21, 2025
In the inaugural episode of "Plain History," host Derek Thompson engages in a profound discussion with renowned historian Candace Millard about her New York Times bestselling book, Destiny of the Republic. The episode delves deep into the tumultuous period surrounding President James Garfield's assassination, exploring the interplay of politics, medical practices, and the broader societal implications of his untimely death.
1. Introduction to James Garfield and the 1876 Centennial
The episode opens with a vivid portrayal of the United States' 100th birthday celebrated at the U.S. Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia during the summer of 1876. Amidst displaying groundbreaking inventions like Alexander Graham Bell's early telephone and Joseph Lister's antiseptic theories, James Garfield, then a 44-year-old Congressman, attends the fair with his family. Millard emphasizes Garfield's remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected intellectual and future president.
Notable Quote:
"James Garfield was born in a log cabin... by his second year, while he himself is still a student, he's just a sophomore in college. They made him a professor of literature, mathematics and ancient languages."
— Candace Millard [09:25]
2. Garfield's Rise in Congress and Principles
Derek Thompson and Millard explore Garfield's tenure in Congress, highlighting his advocacy for black suffrage, his staunch belief in hard money backed by gold, and his dedication to the establishment of the Department of Education. Garfield's eloquence and progressive values set him apart from his contemporaries, painting him as a beacon of the American Dream.
Notable Quote:
"There is no horizontal stratification of society in this country... Every individual drop is free to move."
— James Garfield [12:49]
"Garfield himself rose up from the sternest depths of the mighty deep."
— Derek Thompson [13:12]
3. The 1880 Republican Convention and the Spoils System
The narrative shifts to the 1880 Republican National Convention in Chicago, where Garfield unexpectedly becomes the party's nominee after delivering an impassioned, extemporaneous speech that captivates the crowd. This pivotal moment underscores the tumultuous nature of Washington politics, dominated by the spoils system—a practice of granting government jobs to political allies and supporters.
Millard introduces key figures like Roscoe Conkling, a staunch supporter of the spoils system, and Chester Arthur, who becomes Garfield's running mate as a concession to Conkling's influence.
Notable Quote:
"As I sat in my seat and witnessed this demonstration, this assemblage seemed to me a human ocean in tempest."
— James Garfield [17:38]
4. Charles Guiteau: The Catalyst for Tragedy
Central to the episode is the introduction of Charles Guiteau, a failed lawyer and deranged individual obsessed with Garfield. Believing that his support secured Garfield's presidency, Guiteau becomes fixated on earning a political appointment. Millard paints a stark contrast between Garfield's integrity and Guiteau's madness, setting the stage for the impending tragedy.
Notable Quote:
"Charles Guiteau was really Garfield's opposite in every way... he believed he had these visions of grandeur."
— Candace Millard [26:14]
5. The Assassination and Medical Mismanagement
On July 2, 1881, Garfield is shot by Guiteau at a Washington D.C. railroad station. Despite surviving the initial attack, Garfield's prolonged suffering is exacerbated by Dr. Willard Bliss, whose negligent medical practices prove fatal. Millard details how Bliss's refusal to adopt antiseptic methods and his obsession with locating the concealed bullet deteriorate Garfield's health, ultimately leading to death from septic infections.
Notable Quotes:
"He writes strangulatis pro republica. Tortured for the republic."
— James Garfield [40:32]
"The immediate cause of Garfield's death was profound septic poisoning."
— Candace Millard [46:21]
6. The Aftermath: Political Reform and the Pendleton Act
Garfield's death serves as a turning point in American politics, galvanizing public opinion against the rampant corruption of the spoils system. Chester Arthur, initially perceived as a puppet of Conkling, undergoes a transformation, advocating for and successfully implementing the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act. This legislation marked the decline of the spoils system, promoting a merit-based approach to government appointments.
Notable Quote:
"He never became a great president, but he became an honest president."
— Candace Millard [51:28]
7. Legacy and Lessons Learned
In concluding the episode, Millard reflects on the irony that advancements in medical technology, such as X-rays and antiseptic surgery, which emerged shortly after Garfield's death, could have saved his life. The episode underscores the dangers of ignorance and arrogance, both on a personal level with Guiteau and systemically within the political framework of the time.
Notable Quotes:
"Ignorance and arrogance always go hand in hand and they are always the most dangerous foe that we face."
— Candace Millard [53:00]
"He [Garfield] came into this not owing anything to anyone... he had to express what he believes."
— Candace Millard [47:55]
8. Reflective Quotes from Garfield
The episode wraps with poignant reflections from Garfield himself, encapsulating his character and the themes explored throughout the discussion.
Notable Quotes:
"I sometimes think that we cannot know any man thoroughly while he is in perfect health."
— James Garfield [54:56]
"I never meet a ragged boy in the street without feeling that I may owe him a salute."
— James Garfield [55:40]
Conclusion
Derek Thompson and Candace Millard present a compelling exploration of President James Garfield's life, assassination, and the consequential reforms that reshaped American politics. Through meticulous historical analysis and engaging dialogue, the episode highlights the intricate connections between individual agency, systemic corruption, and the evolution of medical and political practices in the late 19th century.
For further insights and detailed narratives, listeners are encouraged to delve into Candace Millard's Destiny of the Republic.