Page "James A. Garfield" Paragraph 3

Garfield's presidency lasted just 200 days — from March 4, 1881, until his death on September 19, 1881, as a result of being shot by assassin Charles J. Guiteau on July 2, 1881.

Only William Henry Harrison's presidency, of 32 days, was shorter.

Garfield was the second of four United States Presidents who were assassinated.

President Garfield advocated a bi-metal monetary system, agricultural technology, an educated electorate, and civil rights for African-Americans.

He proposed substantial civil service reform, eventually passed in 1883 by his successor, Chester A. Arthur, as the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act.