Death by Lightning: The Tragic Story of President James Garfield
The Netflix documentary Death by Lightning examines the life, presidency, and assassination of President James Garfield, whose brief time in office altered the course of American history.
From Farmer to President
At the Republican National Convention of 1880, party members were deeply divided. After 36 rounds of voting, a surprising shift occurred when an Ohio congressman and former farmer, attending merely to back another candidate, delivered a speech that captivated the entire assembly.
He had come to support someone else, but his powerful words moved delegates so much that they nominated him on the spot.
Within months, this once-reluctant politician was inaugurated as the 20th President of the United States, with Chester Arthur as his vice president.
A Story of Triumph and Tragedy
The series transforms Garfield’s journey from idealistic political victory into a dark descent marked by obsession, instability, and ultimately, a shocking act that stunned the nation. What began as an inspiring story ends as one of America's most infamous tragedies.
Photo Credit: James Garfield was elected as the 20th President of the United States in 1880. (Image courtesy: whitehousehistory.org)
Author
By Asmita Pant | Published November 7, 2025
Author’s Summary: Netflix’s Death by Lightning portrays how James Garfield’s unexpected rise to power and tragic death revealed the chaos and passion within post–Civil War American politics.
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