Destiny of the Republic summary

Murder and Madness in the White House

In Destiny of the Republic, Candice Millard takes us on a historical journey, unfolding the tragic story of the twentieth U.S. President James A. Garfield. His presidency, promising and full of potential, gets cut short by an assassin's bullet. But ironically, it isn't the bullet that becomes fatal. Instead, it's the unclean and unhygienic conditions prevailing in medicine during the time, leading to a painful infection.

Millard explores the assassin, Charles Julius Guiteau. Manifesting clear signs of madness, he confidently anticipates acquittal and expects to become the next president. Guiteau achieves notoriety through a preposterous legal defense revolving around the argument that he did not kill President Garfield—the doctors did.

A System Riddled with Patronage

The book also delves into how the spoils system, a practice providing political supporters with official jobs, virtually offers Garfield's presidency to Guiteau on a silver platter. Guiteau, after failing to secure any such job, blames this disappointment for his decision to shoot Garfield, intending to install Vice President Chester Arthur, whom he believes will repay him with a lucrative position.

Meanwhile, we see President Garfield showing exceptional endurance and strength throughout his long and unfortunate ordeal, revealing the true mettle of his character. He continues executing presidential duties and even tries to attend to matters of state despite his declining health.

A Leap Forward in Medicine

Destiny of the Republic also sheds light on the enormous advances in medical science brought by this crisis. The lack of understanding around antisepsis causes the prolonged suffering and untimely death of President Garfield. His physicians, notably Dr. Doctor Willard Bliss, disregard the sterilization practices proposed by British surgeon Joseph Lister, leading to sepsis and, ultimately, death.

In response to this medical catastrophe, Alexander Graham Bell invents the Induction Balance in a race against time to locate the bullet lodged in Garfield's body without resorting to invasive procedures. Tragically, Bliss's stubborn refusal to accept other opinions prevents the device from functioning effectively, consequently failing to save Garfield's life.

Impact and Legacy

Garfield's death ushers in sweeping changes in American politics. Vice President Chester Arthur ascends to the presidency, and contrary to expectations, works hard to dismantle the spoils system that indirectly led to Garfield's assassination. The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act is then enacted in 1883, ending patronage appointments in favor of merit-based government jobs.

In conclusion, Destiny of the Republic offers a harrowing but enlightening narrative of President James A. Garfield's life and death. Candice Millard masterfully explores the intersection of politics, madness, and medicine in the late 19th century. The unfortunate circumstances of Garfield's death initiate a much-needed evolution in political and medical practices, leaving a lasting legacy.