Who Was Chester Arthur?
When US President James Garfield was assassinated in 1881, his Vice President, Chester A. Arthur, unexpectedly assumed the presidency amid widespread distrust. Arthur was widely known as a New York Republican party bureaucrat tied to patronage and machine politics, and few Americans had confidence in his ability to handle the crisis.
Arthur's Rise to the Presidency
After Garfield was shot in July 1881 and later died from his wounds, Arthur stepped into the national spotlight as the 21st President of the United States. Initially seen as a party insider linked to political corruption, he surprised many with his performance once in office.
Depiction in Popular Culture
Arthur's story is highlighted in the 2025 Netflix drama Death by Lightning, which chronicles the assassination of Garfield by Charles Guiteau.
- Garfield is portrayed by Michael Shannon.
- Charles Guiteau, the assassin, is played by Matthew Macfadyen.
- Chester Arthur appears as a reluctant figure elevated beyond his expectations, played by Nick Offerman.
"Chester Arthur is portrayed as something of a low man pushed into high office, a Republican enforcer famed for his carousing."
Relationship with James Garfield
Arthur’s ascent was directly connected to Garfield’s assassination. As vice president, he was considered ill-prepared and lacked public trust, but Garfield’s death propelled him to assume the highest office during a turbulent political period.
Public Perception and Legacy
Despite his reputation as a party insider and machine politician, Arthur’s presidency challenged public expectations, revealing a more complex figure than the one previously distrusted.
"When Garfield died of his wounds later that year, Arthur was thrust into the spotlight as the 21st President of the United States."
Arthur’s leadership after Garfield’s death marked a surprising shift in how he was viewed by the country.
Author’s Summary: Chester Arthur, initially mistrusted as a political insider, unexpectedly stepped up after Garfield's assassination, reshaping his legacy beyond his patronage background.