The True Story Behind Netflix’s ‘Death by Lightning’ and the Assassination of James A. Garfield
Charles Guiteau’s bullet did not directly cause the death of the 20th president of the United States; instead, a combination of ignorance, pride, and flawed medical treatment contributed to President Garfield’s demise. Garfield was only a few months into his presidency when he was shot by Guiteau, a disgruntled supporter. More than 120 years later, the consequences of this event continue to influence both politics and medicine.
Netflix Series Overview
The new Netflix limited series Death By Lightning, which premiered on November 6, explores the tragic death of President Garfield and its significant place in U.S. history. The four-part series stars Michael Shannon as Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as Guiteau. It delves into the circumstances leading up to the shooting and the ineffective medical efforts that followed.
Key Themes and Facts
- Charles Guiteau's motive for the assassination was rooted in personal grievances.
- Doctors' clumsy attempts to treat Garfield contributed to the president's suffering and eventual death.
- The tragedy highlights failures in both political and medical systems of the time.
Background on Charles Guiteau
Born in Freeport, Illinois, in 1841, Charles Julius Guiteau had a difficult childhood. His mother, Jane, suffered from psychosis and died when he was about seven years old, after which his abusive father, Luther, raised him.
"Charles Guiteau’s bullet didn’t kill the 20th president—it was ignorance, pride, and the tools meant to save his life."
This historical event, dramatized in the Netflix series, reveals how human error and medical misunderstanding played critical roles in the assassination’s aftermath.
Author’s summary: The death of President Garfield was not just caused by a bullet but by flawed medical treatment and personal failings, a story vividly told in Netflix’s Death By Lightning.