Destiny of the Republic

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.

Did President Garfield’s assassination lead to the formation of the Secret Service? Why or why not? Describe the ideas and events that led to US presidents having full-time Secret Service protection.

Exactly 100 years later, another mentally ill individual, John Hinckley Jr., shot a US president, Ronald Reagan. Unlike Garfield, Reagan survived the attempt. And unlike Guiteau, Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity. What was the difference in this regard? Explain how the insanity defense has been used over the years and why it was more likely to be successful at Hinckley’s trial in 1982.

The book states that Alexander Graham Bell’s induction balance was used to successfully treat gunshot victims through World War I. (Millard also mentions its use in the Sino-Japanese and Boer Wars.) What are some prominent examples of this? Was the design improved over the years? If so, how?

Some would say the spoils systems was fair enough, in that those who worked hard to elect members of their party should be rewarded, while others note that it promoted corruption. Describe the spoils system in US history, giving several examples not mentioned in the book. Do you agree that it needed to be reformed? Why or why not?

Explain the purpose of the Oneida Community that Charles Guiteau had been a member of. What were its successes and failures? Did it leave any kind of lasting impact on society?

The Oneida Community was one of a number of utopian communities that sprung up in the US in the 19th century. What were the circumstances that led to this, be they political, social, religious, or economic? In other words, what made that place (the US) at that particular time (the 19th century) disposed to such experiments in living?