James Garfield was the 20th president of the United States, serving from March 4, 1881, until his assassination on September 19, 1881. He had one of the shortest presidencies in U.S. history, but his tenure is often noted for anti- corruption efforts and civil rights advocacy, as well as his push for civil service reform carried forward after his death. Key points about Garfield and the query you provided:
- Identity: James Abram Garfield (1831–1881) was the 20th U.S. president. He came to office in 1881 after a lengthy career in the House of Representatives and a prior role as a Union Army general. [sources reflect standard historical accounts of Garfield’s life and presidency]
- Tenure: Garfield’s time in office lasted only about six months before he was shot by Charles J. Guiteau and died later that year from complications related to the injury. His short tenure makes him one of the presidents with the briefest terms in office. [historical biographies and encyclopedic entries]
- Legacy: Despite the brevity of his presidency, Garfield is often highlighted for his stance against the spoils system, efforts to modernize government, and support for civil rights and education. The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act and various civil rights initiatives associated with his administration are frequently cited in assessments of his impact, though some historians rank him lower due to the brevity of his term. [biography and historical overviews]
If you’d like, I can tailor this further—for example:
- provide a concise one-paragraph bio suitable for a quick reference, or
- compare Garfield to other short-tenured presidents, or
- pull up a short timeline of his major actions and the circumstances surrounding his death.
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