lettersforvivian.org – James A. Garfield’s life was one of remarkable transformation—from a poor farm boy to a Union general and, eventually, the 20th president of the United States. His journey was marked by personal and professional triumphs, yet his presidency was tragically cut short, leaving a legacy that would continue to shape the nation long after his death. Garfield’s military career during the Civil War was pivotal in his rise to national prominence and helped to establish him as a man of integrity, courage, and leadership. His transition from a general on the battlefield to a president in the White House is a testament to the nation’s complex and rapidly changing political landscape during the late 19th century.
This article explores Garfield’s journey from the Civil War to the presidency, analyzing his leadership on the battlefield, his political rise, and his brief but impactful time in office.
Early Life: From Humble Beginnings to Education
A Struggling Childhood
James Abram Garfield was born on November 19, 1831, in a small log cabin in Orange, Ohio. The son of Abram Garfield, a farmer, and Eliza Ballou Garfield, James’s early years were marked by hardship. When James was just two years old, his father passed away, leaving his mother to care for him and his siblings. The family struggled with poverty, and James had to work various odd jobs to help make ends meet. Despite the challenges, his mother placed a high value on education, and James developed a love for learning from an early age.
After attending local schools, Garfield entered Western Reserve Eclectic Institute in Hiram, Ohio (now Hiram College). He worked hard to pay for his education, impressing his teachers with his intellect and passion for study. It was during his time at college that Garfield developed an interest in the classics, philosophy, and rhetoric. He became a teacher at the school and soon gained a reputation as an eloquent speaker and a thoughtful scholar. His education provided a strong foundation for his future political career, but his ambitions would soon take a different direction due to the outbreak of the Civil War.
The Civil War: A Rising Military Leader
Answering the Call
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Garfield, like many young men of his generation, answered the call to defend the Union. At the time, Garfield had no military experience, but his intellectual rigor and leadership abilities quickly gained recognition. He was appointed as a lieutenant colonel of the 42nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His initial service in the field was focused on training troops, but it wasn’t long before he was thrust into the realities of battle.
Garfield’s first major military engagement came at the Battle of Shiloh in 1862, where he served as a staff officer. Although his role was not as a field commander, he quickly learned the demands of war and gained firsthand experience in battle strategy. His efforts during the battle and subsequent campaigns earned him a reputation for bravery and tactical acumen.
A Swift Rise Through the Ranks
Garfield’s leadership skills on the battlefield did not go unnoticed. In 1862, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general at the age of 31. His rapid rise through the military ranks was due to his ability to organize troops effectively and to make quick, sound decisions under pressure. By the time of the Battle of Chickamauga in 1863, Garfield had established himself as a capable general who could both command soldiers and advise senior officers.
At Chickamauga, Garfield played a critical role in preventing a complete Union defeat, helping to organize a successful counteroffensive and allowing Union forces to retreat in good order. His performance at this battle solidified his reputation as a military leader, and he was promoted to major general. Despite the chaotic nature of the war and the toll it took on soldiers, Garfield remained focused on the larger goal: preserving the Union. His military service also allowed him to become acquainted with many prominent figures, including Ulysses S. Grant, who would later play a pivotal role in Garfield’s political career.
A Change in Direction: Leaving the Battlefield
Although Garfield had made significant contributions on the battlefield, his military service was not without its challenges. He grew increasingly disillusioned with the political and bureaucratic obstacles within the Union Army, and in 1863, he made the decision to resign from his military post to pursue a career in politics. Garfield’s decision was motivated by a desire to serve his country in a different capacity, and he recognized that his intellectual talents and political ideals could make a significant impact in Washington.
From the Battlefield to the Capitol: Garfield’s Political Career
Entering Congress
In 1863, Garfield was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he would serve for nearly two decades. His military background and reputation for integrity made him a natural leader in the political arena. Initially, Garfield represented the state of Ohio in Congress, where he quickly earned a reputation as a moderate Republican, able to navigate the post-war political landscape with ease. He was a staunch supporter of the Reconstruction efforts, seeking to rebuild the South and secure civil rights for freed African Americans.
Garfield’s political career was marked by his commitment to education, infrastructure development, and a strong national government. He believed in the importance of a government that worked for the common good, regardless of party affiliation. Garfield was also a fierce advocate for civil service reform, championing the idea that government jobs should be awarded based on merit rather than political patronage. His strong moral convictions, combined with his intellectual prowess, made him a respected and influential voice in Congress.
Garfield’s Leadership in Congress
Garfield’s years in Congress were marked by his deep commitment to national unity and his desire to protect the principles of the Union. He was a forceful speaker and writer, using his eloquence to advocate for issues such as protective tariffs, internal improvements, and government efficiency. He was a vocal critic of political corruption and worked tirelessly to ensure that the nation’s leaders adhered to higher standards of public service.
One of his most important political achievements in Congress was his work on the Congressional Investigating Committee on the condition of the Freedmen in the South. Garfield was deeply concerned about the status of African Americans in the post-Civil War South and was determined to help secure their rights through federal intervention.
Garfield also played a prominent role in the passage of important legislation, such as the Pacific Railway Act, which sought to extend the country’s railroads and connect the East and West coasts. He was a strong advocate for economic development and the expansion of infrastructure, believing that a well-connected country would be more prosperous and united.
The Road to the White House: Garfield’s Presidential Campaign
A Controversial Nomination
In 1880, Garfield found himself thrust into the national spotlight in a way he had not anticipated. The Republican Party was embroiled in a bitter struggle between the Stalwarts, led by Roscoe Conkling, who supported the patronage system, and the reform-minded Half-Breeds, who called for an end to political favoritism and the implementation of civil service reform. Garfield, despite his moderate position on the issue, became the compromise candidate at the Republican National Convention in Chicago. After an intense and contentious battle at the convention, Garfield was chosen as the Republican nominee for president on the 36th ballot.
His nomination was a victory for those who supported civil service reform, as Garfield was viewed as a man of integrity who could bring about positive change. In the 1880 presidential election, Garfield faced Democratic candidate Winfield Scott Hancock. Garfield won the election by a narrow margin, securing 48.3% of the popular vote and 214 electoral votes to Hancock’s 155.
The Presidency: A Tragic Beginning
A Vision for Reform
Garfield’s presidency began with a strong mandate for reform. His commitment to civil service reform, national unity, and economic growth was clear from the start. He worked tirelessly to reduce political patronage, favoring the appointment of public officials based on merit rather than political connections. His efforts were focused on creating a more efficient and professional government, one that could effectively serve the needs of the American people.
Garfield also worked to improve the condition of African Americans in the South, using his influence to secure civil rights protections and federal support for the Reconstruction efforts. His presidency marked a brief but important moment in the struggle for equality and justice for all Americans.
The Tragic Assassination
Tragically, Garfield’s presidency was cut short by an assassin’s bullet. On July 2, 1881, less than four months into his term, Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker who had been denied a government position by the president. Guiteau believed that Garfield’s death would benefit the nation, and he shot him in Washington, D.C., at a train station. Garfield was critically wounded and, despite efforts to save him, he died on September 19, 1881, after enduring weeks of pain and suffering from the wounds.
The Aftermath and Legacy
Garfield’s death shocked the nation, and it cast a long shadow over the early years of the Gilded Age. The tragedy highlighted the dangers of the patronage system and spurred efforts to reform the federal government. Garfield’s untimely death led to the eventual passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883, which was designed to ensure that government jobs were awarded based on merit rather than political favoritism.
Garfield’s legacy is one of a man who had the potential to be a transformative leader, but whose life was cut tragically short. His commitment to civil rights, economic development, and a more professional government left an enduring mark on American political life. While his presidency may have been brief, the triumphs he achieved and the reforms he championed continued to shape the direction of the United States for years to come.
Conclusion: A Hero’s Journey
James A. Garfield’s story is one of perseverance, dedication, and service to the nation. From his humble beginnings to his service as a general in the Civil War and his subsequent rise to the presidency, Garfield exemplified the best qualities of leadership and integrity. Though his presidency was tragically cut short, Garfield’s contributions to civil service reform, national unity, and economic progress continue to resonate in the history of the United States. His life and legacy serve as a reminder of the profound impact that one individual can have on the course of a nation’s history.
