Chester Arthur became President of the United States in an unlikely way. As the Vice Presidential candidate in 1880, he was chosen as a conciliatory gesture to unite the Republican party. He became President unexpectedly after the assassination of President James Garfield. Though Arthur lacked strong political support, his administration proved to be competent and honest, surprising many Americans. He failed to win the Republican nomination for a term of his own in 1884 and died two years later at the age of 56.