The Dark Side of Destiny: Unpacking the Haunting Story Behind Death by Lightning
James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, left behind a legacy shrouded in tragedy and lost potential. The Netflix drama series Death by Lightning sheds light on his tumultuous life, from rising from poverty to the presidency only to fall victim to medical malpractice and assassination.
Garfield's ascension to the White House was nothing short of remarkable. Born in a log cabin in Ohio, he rose through the ranks as a lawyer, minister, farmer, and state senator before becoming president. His commitment to civil rights for African Americans would have potentially altered the nation's post-Reconstruction trajectory. However, his tenure was cut short after just 200 days due to a combination of political divisions and medical negligence.
At the heart of Garfield's downfall lies Charles Guiteau, a disturbed and delusional individual who saw himself as destined for greatness. His fixation on Garfield led him to believe that he was responsible for the president's victory in the 1880 election. As Guiteau's obsession grew, so did his instability, culminating in a shocking assassination attempt.
The events surrounding Garfield's death are nothing short of horrific. Medical historians agree that if the president had received proper treatment, he would have survived. Instead, Dr. Willard Bliss's botched medical care led to massive infection and sepsis, which ultimately claimed Garfield's life.
Guiteau's trial was a spectacle, with his defense team arguing that the president's doctors were responsible for Garfield's death. In a shocking twist, Guiteau was found guilty and hanged, while Bliss escaped accountability.
Today, the nation has largely forgotten about Garfield's tragic fate, except for a small marker erected on the National Mall in 2018. The Netflix series Death by Lightning aims to revive interest in his life and legacy, shedding light on a pivotal moment in American history that continues to fascinate.
The show's creator, writer, and executive producer Mike Makowsky, credits the series with staying true to Garfield's character, while also taking creative liberties to bring the story to life. "Garfield was truly a Renaissance man," Makowsky says. "He was fiercely intelligent and empathetic, and was so ahead of his time on the prevailing questions around civil rights and reforms within his own government."
As Death by Lightning continues to captivate audiences, it serves as a poignant reminder of the what-ifs in history. Garfield's lost potential is a haunting legacy that underscores the importance of understanding who we are and why our actions have consequences.
Death by Lightning is now available on Netflix, offering a gripping portrayal of one of America's most forgotten presidents. The series serves as a powerful tribute to Garfield's life and legacy, while also shedding light on the darker side of American history.
James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, left behind a legacy shrouded in tragedy and lost potential. The Netflix drama series Death by Lightning sheds light on his tumultuous life, from rising from poverty to the presidency only to fall victim to medical malpractice and assassination.
Garfield's ascension to the White House was nothing short of remarkable. Born in a log cabin in Ohio, he rose through the ranks as a lawyer, minister, farmer, and state senator before becoming president. His commitment to civil rights for African Americans would have potentially altered the nation's post-Reconstruction trajectory. However, his tenure was cut short after just 200 days due to a combination of political divisions and medical negligence.
At the heart of Garfield's downfall lies Charles Guiteau, a disturbed and delusional individual who saw himself as destined for greatness. His fixation on Garfield led him to believe that he was responsible for the president's victory in the 1880 election. As Guiteau's obsession grew, so did his instability, culminating in a shocking assassination attempt.
The events surrounding Garfield's death are nothing short of horrific. Medical historians agree that if the president had received proper treatment, he would have survived. Instead, Dr. Willard Bliss's botched medical care led to massive infection and sepsis, which ultimately claimed Garfield's life.
Guiteau's trial was a spectacle, with his defense team arguing that the president's doctors were responsible for Garfield's death. In a shocking twist, Guiteau was found guilty and hanged, while Bliss escaped accountability.
Today, the nation has largely forgotten about Garfield's tragic fate, except for a small marker erected on the National Mall in 2018. The Netflix series Death by Lightning aims to revive interest in his life and legacy, shedding light on a pivotal moment in American history that continues to fascinate.
The show's creator, writer, and executive producer Mike Makowsky, credits the series with staying true to Garfield's character, while also taking creative liberties to bring the story to life. "Garfield was truly a Renaissance man," Makowsky says. "He was fiercely intelligent and empathetic, and was so ahead of his time on the prevailing questions around civil rights and reforms within his own government."
As Death by Lightning continues to captivate audiences, it serves as a poignant reminder of the what-ifs in history. Garfield's lost potential is a haunting legacy that underscores the importance of understanding who we are and why our actions have consequences.
Death by Lightning is now available on Netflix, offering a gripping portrayal of one of America's most forgotten presidents. The series serves as a powerful tribute to Garfield's life and legacy, while also shedding light on the darker side of American history.
️ u know what's wild about james garfield? he was literally the most ahead of his time on civil rights & reforms, but still got taken down by medical malpractice 
it's like, what if he'd lived longer and we were a more progressive country today? 
anyway, the netflix series death by lightning is giving me major feels 
i love how it's bringing attention to this lesser-known part of history, but at the same time also highlighting the darker side of american history. it's like, we don't always remember our mistakes, but that's what makes history so fascinating 
can you believe this dude guiteau was literally unhinged? like what even is wrong with him thinking he's destined for greatness just cuz garfield won the election? 
it's crazy how we've basically forgotten about james garfield's story now, like he was really ahead of his time on civil rights and stuff. i love that the netflix show is bringing attention back to him though 
. I mean, think about it, he was a true trailblazer for civil rights in America. His commitment to equality would have been a game-changer if not cut short by the system itself. And let's not forget about the medical malpractice aspect - it's just mind-boggling that Dr. Willard Bliss got away with his negligence 
.
. It's also a testament to how even the most forgotten figures can leave an indelible mark on our collective memory 
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. And what about the whole "medical negligence" thing? Dr. Bliss is basically let off with a slap on the wrist after killing Garfield 
. It's like they're trying to cover something up. I'm not buying it, folks 
. The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that there's more to this story than meets the eye...
and the guy who tried to kill him, charles guiteau? what was wrong with him?