how did the spoils system affect president James Garfeild and his successor Chester A. Arthur
The spoils system, wherein government offices were awarded to loyal supporters of the winning political party, had long-lasting effects on both President James Garfield and his successor, Chester A. Arthur.
For James Garfield:
1. Assassination: The spoils system inadvertently led to Garfield's assassination. Charles Guiteau, a delusional man who believed he was owed a government job due to his (minimal) support of Garfield's campaign, was angered when he did not receive a political appointment. In his frustration, Guiteau shot and killed Garfield on July 2, 1881.
2. Political Struggles: During his brief time in office, Garfield struggled against the influence of the spoils system. As a reform-minded President, Garfield tried to distance himself from the system by advocating for civil service reform and attempting to reduce the power of corrupt politicians like Senator Roscoe Conkling, who benefitted from the spoils system. This stance alienated some of his own Republican Party members, making his job as president more challenging.
For Chester A. Arthur:
1. Reputation: Arthur was initially seen as a puppet of the spoils system, as he had been a loyal supporter of Conkling and was involved in the corrupt New York Customs House. Many doubted his ability to lead and reform the government.
2. Civil Service Reform: Once in office, however, Arthur underwent a political transformation. He turned his back on the spoils system and became an advocate for civil service reform. In 1883, he signed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which mandated that government jobs be awarded based on merit rather than political connections, effectively putting an end to the spoils system at the federal level. This move surprised many of his previous political allies and helped to reshape Arthur's legacy as president.
Overall, the spoils system played a significant role in the lives and presidencies of both Garfield and Arthur. It contributed to Garfield's untimely death and his difficulties in navigating the political landscape. For Arthur, it initially defined his reputation, but later motivated him to advocate for civil service reform, leaving a lasting impact on the United States government.