James Abram Garfield

Birth-Death: (1831 - 1881 ) Term: (1881-1881 )

Throughout Garfield's administration the major source of conflict was the difference between the two factions of the House. One side, the "Stalwarts", were led by Roscoe Conkling and the other side, the "Half-Breeds", were led by Senator Blaine. In the prime of the Spoils System, the two groups argued largely over government jobs.

Major Events with James Garfield

1881 - On July 2nd, 1881, James A. Garfield was shot by C. Julius Guiteau, an unsuccessful government job seeker who was mentally unstable. President Garfield died from complications resulting after the wound on September 19th. This assassination aroused the public and made them aware of the problems associated with the Spoils System.