James A. Garfield was inaugurated as the 20th President of the United States on March 4, 1881. His presidency was tragically cut short when he was shot by Charles Guiteau on July 2, 1881, and died from complications on September 19, 1881.

James A. Garfield, a remarkable figure in American history, ascended to the presidency in 1881. As the 20th President of the United States, his journey to the White House was marked by notable achievements and a unique set of circumstances.

Garfield's rise to power came at a pivotal time in the nation's history, following the tumultuous years of the Civil War and Reconstruction. His presidency, though brief, left an indelible mark on the American political landscape. Understanding when Garfield took office provides crucial context for comprehending the challenges and opportunities he faced during his tenure.

James A. Garfield's journey to the White House was marked by a distinguished political career and an unexpected rise to power. His ascent to the presidency reflected the complex political landscape of post-Civil War America.

Garfield's political career began in the Ohio State Senate in 1859. He quickly gained recognition for his oratory skills and Republican Party loyalty. In 1862, Garfield won election to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served for 17 years. During his tenure, he became a prominent voice on fiscal policy, civil rights, and Reconstruction efforts. Garfield's leadership roles included:

• Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations
• Member of the Ways and Means Committee
• House Republican Whip

His reputation as a skilled debater and compromiser earned him respect across party lines, setting the stage for his future presidential aspirations.

The 1880 Republican National Convention in Chicago proved pivotal for Garfield's political career. Initially attending as campaign manager for John Sherman, Garfield unexpectedly became the party's compromise candidate. Key factors in his nomination included:

• Deadlock between frontrunners Ulysses S. Grant and James G. Blaine
• Garfield's stirring nomination speech for Sherman
• His reputation as a moderate Republican acceptable to various factions

The general election pitted Garfield against Democrat Winfield Scott Hancock. The campaign focused on:

Issue	Garfield's Position
Tariffs	Supported high protective tariffs
Civil Service Reform	Advocated for merit-based appointments
Civil Rights	Championed voting rights for African Americans

Garfield secured a narrow victory, winning the popular vote by less than 10,000 votes. The Electoral College results were more decisive:

Candidate	Electoral Votes
James A. Garfield	214
Winfield Scott Hancock	155

This unexpected triumph catapulted Garfield from a respected congressman to the highest office in the land, setting the stage for his brief but impactful presidency.

James A. Garfield took the oath of office as the 20th President of the United States on March 4, 1881. His inauguration marked the beginning of a new era in American politics, following the turbulent years of the Civil War and Reconstruction.

March 4, 1881, was a significant day in American history. It marked the transfer of power from Rutherford B. Hayes to James A. Garfield. The date followed the constitutional tradition of presidential inaugurations occurring on March 4 every four years. This tradition continued until the ratification of the 20th Amendment in 1933, which moved the inauguration date to January 20.

Garfield's inaugural ceremony took place on the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol. The event drew a large crowd of spectators eager to witness the swearing-in of the new president. Chief Justice Morrison R. Waite administered the oath of office to Garfield, who placed his hand on a Bible held by his mother, Eliza Garfield.

In his inaugural address, Garfield outlined his vision for the nation:

• He emphasized the importance of civil service reform
• Addressed the need for continued economic growth
• Stressed the significance of education in promoting national progress
• Reaffirmed his commitment to civil rights and equality for all citizens

Garfield's speech lasted approximately 65 minutes, making it one of the longest inaugural addresses in U.S. history. The new president's words resonated with many Americans, offering hope for a united and prosperous future under his leadership.

James A. Garfield's presidency faced numerous obstacles from the outset. His administration grappled with complex issues that threatened to undermine his leadership and the stability of the nation.

The Republican Party experienced significant internal strife during Garfield's tenure. Factions within the party, known as the Stalwarts and the Half-Breeds, clashed over patronage and civil service reform. Garfield's appointment of James G. Blaine as Secretary of State angered Stalwart leader Roscoe Conkling, leading to a bitter power struggle. This conflict culminated in the resignations of Conkling and fellow New York Senator Thomas C. Platt, highlighting the deep divisions within the party.

Garfield's administration confronted pressing economic and social challenges:

1. Civil service reform: Corruption in government appointments demanded immediate attention.
2. Tariff policy: Debates raged over protective tariffs and their impact on the economy.
3. Civil rights: Ongoing struggles for equality and voting rights for African Americans required action.
4. Economic recovery: The nation sought to build on recent growth and address lingering post-Civil War economic issues.
5. Education: Garfield emphasized the need for improved public education and literacy rates.

These issues demanded Garfield's immediate attention and threatened to shape the course of his presidency. The complex political landscape and diverse societal needs presented significant hurdles for the new administration to overcome.

James A. Garfield's presidency lasted a mere 200 days, cut short by an assassin's bullet. Despite its brevity, his time in office was marked by significant appointments and policy initiatives, as well as a tragic event that would ultimately end his life.

Garfield wasted no time in assembling his cabinet and pursuing his agenda. He appointed James G. Blaine as Secretary of State, a move that angered the Stalwart faction of the Republican Party. William Windom became Secretary of the Treasury, tasked with addressing the nation's economic challenges. Garfield's administration focused on three primary policy areas:

1. Civil service reform: Garfield pushed for merit-based appointments to reduce political corruption.
2. Tariff reform: He sought to adjust import duties to promote economic growth and fair trade.
3. Education: Garfield emphasized the importance of public education and literacy programs.

The president also took steps to improve relations with Latin American countries and initiated investigations into postal route frauds, demonstrating his commitment to government integrity.

On July 2, 1881, just four months into his presidency, Garfield was shot twice by Charles Guiteau at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C. Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker, had been denied a diplomatic post. The assassination attempt occurred as Garfield was preparing to leave for a summer vacation with his family.

Key details of the assassination attempt include:

• Guiteau fired two shots, one grazing Garfield's arm and the other lodging in his back.
• The president initially survived the shooting but suffered from infection and blood poisoning.
• Medical care at the time, including unsanitary practices, likely contributed to Garfield's decline.
• The nation anxiously followed updates on the president's condition for 80 days.

Garfield's struggle with his wounds captivated the nation and highlighted the need for presidential security measures. The assassination attempt ultimately led to his death on September 19, 1881, bringing his promising presidency to a premature end and ushering in the administration of Chester A. Arthur.

James A. Garfield's brief presidency left an indelible mark on American history. Despite his short time in office, Garfield's legacy continues to influence U.S. politics and governance.

Garfield's assassination catalyzed significant changes in American politics. The tragic event highlighted the need for civil service reform, leading to the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883. This act established a merit-based system for federal employment, replacing the spoils system that had dominated government appointments. Garfield's death also prompted increased security measures for U.S. presidents, including the formation of the Secret Service as a presidential protection unit in 1901.

Garfield's presidency, though brief, holds considerable historical significance. His advocacy for civil rights and education reform set a precedent for future administrations. The 20th president's efforts to combat corruption in government, particularly in the Star Route postal scandal, demonstrated a commitment to integrity in public service. Garfield's assassination also sparked a national conversation about mental health and the treatment of the mentally ill, as his assassin, Charles Guiteau, was widely believed to be mentally unstable.

• James A. Garfield took office as the 20th US President on March 4, 1881
• Garfield's presidency lasted only 200 days due to his assassination on July 2, 1881
• His brief tenure focused on civil service reform, tariff adjustments, and education initiatives
• Garfield's assassination led to significant changes in US politics, including civil service reform
• Despite its brevity, Garfield's presidency had a lasting impact on American governance and security measures

James A. Garfield's presidency began on March 4, 1881, marking a brief but impactful period in American history. His inauguration represented the culmination of a distinguished political career and the hopes of a nation seeking unity and progress. Though his time in office was tragically cut short Garfield's legacy endured through significant reforms and a renewed focus on civil rights and education. His assassination sparked crucial changes in U.S. politics including civil service reform and enhanced presidential security. Garfield's story remains a poignant reminder of the challenges and responsibilities that come with the highest office in the land.