The video discusses Charles J. Guiteau, who assassinated President James A. Garfield. Guiteau had a troubled childhood and sought approval due to his strict religious upbringing. He failed to enter the University of Michigan and joined the Oneida Community, known for its controversial practices like communal child-rearing and "free love." Guiteau later attempted various careers, including law and theology, but was often involved in fraudulent activities. His obsession with gaining recognition led him to believe he was instrumental in Garfield's presidential victory, expecting a political appointment in return. When ignored, Guiteau shot Garfield, leading to the president's death after 11 weeks due to medical malpractice. Guiteau's trial was bizarre, and he was eventually executed, still seeking fame.
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Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Charles J. Guiteau was born in Freeport, Illinois in 1841.
2. Guiteau's mother died when he was seven years old due to postpartum psychosis.
3. Guiteau's father was a devout Christian who physically instilled his values on his son.
4. Guiteau moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan as a teenager and attended high school there.
5. Guiteau attempted to join the University of Michigan but failed the entrance exam.
6. Guiteau joined the Oneida Community in New York, a commune that practiced a form of eugenics.
7. Guiteau was not well-liked by the members of the Oneida Community and was eventually asked to leave.
8. Guiteau moved to New Jersey and started a newspaper called The Daily Theocrat, which failed.
9. Guiteau became interested in politics and wrote a speech in favor of Horace Greeley, the 1872 Democratic presidential candidate.
10. Guiteau married Annie Bunn and had a troubled marriage, eventually divorcing her in 1874.
11. Guiteau contracted syphilis after having an affair with a prostitute.
12. Guiteau published a book called The Truth, which was largely plagiarized from John Noyes, the founder of the Oneida Community.
13. Guiteau became a lawyer and joined the Illinois Bar, but only argued one court case.
14. Guiteau worked as a bill collector and developed a reputation for being dishonest.
15. Guiteau became obsessed with the idea of becoming a consul in Vienna or Paris.
16. Guiteau wrote a speech in favor of James Garfield, the 1880 Republican presidential candidate, and claimed that he was responsible for Garfield's victory.
17. Guiteau expected to be rewarded with a consulship, but was ignored by Garfield and his administration.
18. Guiteau became increasingly unhinged and eventually assassinated Garfield on July 2, 1881.
19. Garfield died 11 weeks after the assassination due to complications from his injuries.
20. Guiteau was tried and found guilty of murder, and was executed by hanging on June 30, 1882.