Garfield on the Enemy: Presidential Protection
Clip: Season 28 Episode 4 | 2m 20s
In 1881 President Garfield had no security detail. It wasn't deemed necessary.
Despite Lincoln's assassination in 1865, there were no new safeguards put in to protect the president from would-be assassins. Lincoln's murder had been seen as an anomaly.
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Support provided by:
Garfield on the Enemy: Presidential Protection
Clip: Season 28 Episode 4 | 2m 20s
Despite Lincoln's assassination in 1865, there were no new safeguards put in to protect the president from would-be assassins. Lincoln's murder had been seen as an anomaly.
How to Watch American Experience
American Experience is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
Buy Now
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
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Garfield and Lying: The Conkling Problem
New York senator Roscoe Conkling was no fan of James Garfield. (2m 39s)
Garfield and Military Service: Committed to the Cause
Garfield's time in the Union Army strengthened his support of the abolition movement. (2m 58s)
Garfield and Unity: Machine Politics
In 1880 the Republican party was divided into two warring factions. (2m 59s)
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 sponsorship
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.