Here is the answer. The event that triggered the civil service reform of the 1880s is the assassination of President James A. Garfield. This happened at 9:30 am on July 2, 1881, less than four months into Garfield's term as the 20th President of the United States. He was shot by Charles J. Guiteau at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C. Hope this helps.