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Question How did the spoils system affect President James Garfield and his successor Chester A. Arthur?.

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The spoils system, which involved the practice of appointing government officials based on their political connections rather than their qualifications, had a significant impact on both President James Garfield and his successor Chester A. Arthur.

James Garfield:

  1. Political Tension: Garfield's presidency was heavily influenced by the conflicts between different factions within the Republican Party, particularly between the Stalwarts, who supported the spoils system and advocated for the political machine under Roscoe Conkling, and the Half-Breeds, who sought reform. Garfield himself was a Half-Breed, advocating for civil service reform and merit-based appointments, which brought him into conflict with the Stalwarts.

  2. Assassination: Garfield's attempt to navigate these political tensions and reform the spoils system led to his assassination by Charles Guiteau in July 1881. Guiteau believed he was owed a political appointment due to his support of Garfield's campaign; his disappointment over not receiving a job prompted him to shoot the president. This tragic event highlighted the dangers of the spoils system and the extreme actions it could provoke.

Chester A. Arthur:

  1. Reform Advocate: After Garfield's assassination, Chester A. Arthur, who had been a Stalwart and initially supported the spoils system, underwent a significant transformation. He recognized the need for reform in the wake of Garfield's murder and became an advocate for civil service reform.

  2. Pendleton Act of 1883: Arthur supported and signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which established a merit-based system for federal employment. This act aimed to reduce corruption and the influence of the spoils system in government, laying the groundwork for modern civil service practices.

Conclusion:

The spoils system had a profound impact on both Garfield and Arthur, influencing Garfield's political challenges and tragic assassination, and prompting Arthur to become an unlikely reformer. Their experiences highlighted the need for a shift toward a more professional and merit-based civil service system in the United States.