Fortunately the gunshot did not kill the well liked Garfield. Two shots rang out, one narrowly missing, the other hitting the President in the back. After nearly a month of stalking the president and carrying around a gun, nearly pulling the trigger multiple mimes, Gateau finally attacked. He believed the President was a threat to the Republican Party and therefore had to die. Republican Senator Conklin and Garfield never really got along, especially on many political issues, and once the senator announced his resignation Gateau believed that God wanted him to kill President Garfield. Right away he sent President Garfield a warning letter about firing Blaine, but Garfield had no reason to. Blaine had enough, he told Gateau to never to speak to him again and that pushed Gateau over the edge.

Gateau’s life was based on politics, especially President Garfield.Īfter being up at the White House so many times Gateau started to hear many issues going on with his knowledge he spoke to Secretary Blaine about the Paris consulship. He also believed he was the reason Garfield was president. Gateau believed he was going to make it someday big in politics. His name is Charles Gateau, he spent most of his days in and out of the White House waiting room sending Garfield notes. So kind he never thought that one of his “office seekers” would ever try to kill him. Throughout his presidency Garfield was very trusting and kind. After involvement in a two wars while also dabbling in politics, Garfield was nominated by the Republican Party to run for President of the Unites States.Īt first Garfield did not want to be in the running, but since that is what America voted for he fought for the presidency, and worn, defeating Democrat Winfield Hancock. Garfield was very educated but instead of choosing academics after college, he chose politics and war. President James Garfield did not have much as a young boy, but with his mothers insistence, school was the most important thing for him to focus on. Throughout the story, readers will see the lives of those who impacted Garfield life, and how Garfield impacted America, even after death.

Destiny of the republic book