The death of President Garfield resulted in civil service reform within a year, something that was not likely to happen without a protracted political fight had he lived and remained president. Describe another time in history that good has come from something bad.

What was Joseph Lister’s theory about antisepsis? Where did the idea come from, and how did he develop and test it?

Why were African Americans among James Garfield’s biggest supporters? Trace some of his words and actions during his life that led to this.