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

Answer 1

The spoils system had a significant impact on both James Garfield and his successor Chester A. Arthur, but in vastly different ways.

James Garfield, who served as the 20th President of the United States from March to September 1881, was a firm opponent of the spoils system. He believed that government positions should be awarded based on merit and qualifications rather than political loyalty. However, when Garfield assumed office, he faced pressure from the Republican Party's Stalwart faction, led by Senator Roscoe Conkling, to reward them with lucrative government positions. Garfield resisted these demands and appointed reformers and independents to key positions. This led to intense political infighting within the Republican Party.

Unfortunately, Garfield's principled stance against the spoils system had tragic consequences. On July 2, 1881, he was shot by Charles J. Guiteau, a disgruntled office-seeker who believed he should have received a government appointment due to his loyalty to the Republican Party. Garfield's injuries were severe, and he suffered for several months before eventually succumbing to infection and passing away on September 19, 1881.

Garfield's assassination led to the unexpected ascension of his Vice President, Chester A. Arthur, to the presidency. Arthur had been a Stalwart and had supported the spoils system in the past. However, the assassination and Garfield's tragic fate had a profound impact on Arthur, who realized the dangers and corruption associated with the spoils system.

As President, Arthur underwent a dramatic change. He shocked his Stalwart allies by embracing civil service reform. In 1883, he signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act into law, which established the principles of competitive exams and merit-based appointments for federal positions. This marked a significant departure from the spoils system and aimed to reduce political patronage.

Arthur's conversion to civil service reform was largely a consequence of his predecessor's assassination and the subsequent public outrage over the spoils system. By embracing reform, Arthur attempted to honor Garfield's legacy and to distance himself from the corruption associated with the spoils system.