Final answer:
James A. Garfield was assassinated by Charles J. Guiteau due to Guiteau's disgruntlement over not receiving a promised political appointment, sparking a movement that led to civil service reform.
Step-by-step explanation:
- James A. Garfield was assassinated by Charles J. Guiteau, a disgruntled supporter who was angry that he did not receive a political appointment. Guiteau believed he was owed an ambassadorship for his efforts in Garfield's election campaign.
- The assassination of President Garfield occurred on July 2, 1881, after Guiteau shot him at a Washington, D.C., train depot. The tragic event heightened the urgency for civil service reform, leading to the eventual passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Act which curtailed the spoils system and introduced merit-based government appointments.
- The assassin Guiteau had delusions that he significantly influenced Garfield's election victory through his limited campaigning efforts. After being ignored for a prestigious diplomatic position and running out of money, Guiteau meticulously planned his attack, choosing to carry it out in an 'American manner' with a gun.
- This assassination directly brought to light the corruption of the spoils system and the dangers of rewarding political supporters with government positions for which they were not qualified.