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Garfield and Military Service: Committed to the Cause
Clip: Season 28 Episode 4 | 2m 58s
Garfield's time in the Union Army strengthened his support of the abolition movement.
James Garfield joined the Union Army in 1861, shortly after the start of hostilities. When he came face to face with slavery during his time fighting in the south, Garfield's belief in the cause of abolition and freedom was strengthened. "This is my hope," he wrote, "that when we shall return to civil life, there shall go up an unrelenting cry for freedom."
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
![American Experience](https://image.pbs.org/contentchannels/zoZJOtC-white-logo-41-2rEQNrf.png?format=webp&resize=200x)
Garfield and Military Service: Committed to the Cause
Clip: Season 28 Episode 4 | 2m 58s
James Garfield joined the Union Army in 1861, shortly after the start of hostilities. When he came face to face with slavery during his time fighting in the south, Garfield's belief in the cause of abolition and freedom was strengthened. "This is my hope," he wrote, "that when we shall return to civil life, there shall go up an unrelenting cry for freedom."
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When is a photo an act of resistance?
For families that just decades earlier were torn apart by chattel slavery, being photographed together was proof of their resilience.Providing Support for PBS.org
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New York senator Roscoe Conkling was no fan of James Garfield. (2m 39s)
Garfield and Unity: Machine Politics
In 1880 the Republican party was divided into two warring factions. (2m 59s)
Garfield on the Enemy: Presidential Protection
In 1881 President Garfield had no security detail. It wasn't deemed necessary. (2m 20s)
Garfield on the Enemy: Racial Inequality
Garfield believed that every man, no matter his color, had a say in the U.S. government. (2m 33s)
Garfield's First Lady: Lucretia
Lucretia Garfield showed strength and an unwavering moral compass in the face of tragedy. (1m 43s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipCorporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.