Northeastern CPS Professor Featured in NGN for His Insights on a Historic Assassination
Northeastern University College of Professional Studies is proud to share that Ted Miller, teaching professor of history and political historian, was recently featured in NGN News for his expertise on the complex political forces surrounding the assassination of President James Garfield.
In the article, “Why was James Garfield assassinated? A historian reveals the real story behind Netflix’s ‘Death by Lightning’”, Miller offers historical context that goes beyond the popular narrative. He explains how the entrenched 19th-century spoils system—a political culture built on patronage and party loyalty—created the conditions that fueled the actions of Charles Guiteau, Garfield’s assassin.
Miller compares Garfield to “a 19th-century JFK,” noting that although Garfield served only a short time in office, he became a powerful symbol for civil service reform. His death ultimately helped bring about the Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883, which reshaped federal employment and reduced patronage-driven appointments.
The feature highlights Miller’s ability to connect historical events to modern questions of governance, public service, and political accountability—insights that enrich the classroom experience for CPS learners and reflect the college’s commitment to applied, real-world learning.
