Our Twenty-Fifth President: William McKinley - The Man, the Presidency, and the Legacy

William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, served from 1897 to 1901. He is best known for leading the country to victory in the Spanish-American War, which resulted in the acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. McKinley also oversaw the passage of the Dingley Tariff, which raised tariffs on imported goods, and the establishment of the gold standard. He was assassinated in 1901 by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist.

The Early Years

William McKinley was born in Niles, Ohio, on January 29, 1843. He was the seventh of nine children born to William McKinley Sr. and Nancy Allison McKinley. His father was a successful iron manufacturer, and his mother was a devout Methodist. McKinley was raised in a strict religious household, and he attended Sunday school regularly. He was also a good student, and he graduated from Allegheny College in 1860.

William McKinley: Our Twenty-Fifth President (Presidents of the U.S.A.)

by Cynthia Amoroso

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	25399 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	48 pages

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After graduating from college, McKinley studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1867, and he began practicing law in Canton, Ohio. He quickly became a successful lawyer, and he was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1876. McKinley served in the Ohio House for four years, and he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1878.

The Political Career

McKinley served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 14 years. He was a member of the Republican Party, and he was a strong supporter of protective tariffs. McKinley was also a proponent of the gold standard. In 1896, McKinley was nominated for President of the United States. He defeated the Democratic candidate, William Jennings Bryan, in the general election.

The Presidency

McKinley was inaugurated as President on March 4, 1897. He immediately began working to implement his agenda. McKinley signed the Dingley Tariff into law in 1897. The tariff raised tariffs on imported goods, and it helped to protect American businesses from foreign competition. McKinley also oversaw the establishment of the gold standard in 1900. The gold standard fixed the value of the dollar to gold, and it helped to stabilize the economy.

In 1898, the United States declared war on Spain. The Spanish-American War was fought over the issue of Cuba. Cuba was a Spanish colony, and the United States wanted to help Cuba gain its independence. The war was a short and decisive victory for the United States. The United States acquired Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines as a result of the war.

McKinley was re-elected to a second term in 1900. He defeated the Democratic candidate, William Jennings Bryan, in the general election. McKinley's second term was marked by continued economic prosperity. He also worked to improve relations with other countries. McKinley was assassinated in 1901 by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist. He was succeeded by Vice President Theodore Roosevelt.

The Legacy

William McKinley is remembered as a successful President. He led the country to victory in the Spanish-American War, and he oversaw the passage of the Dingley Tariff and the establishment of the gold standard. McKinley was also a strong advocate for protective tariffs. He is considered to be one of the most important presidents of the late 19th century.

McKinley's legacy is still debated today. Some historians believe that he was a great president who helped to make the United States a world power. Other historians believe that he was a weak president who allowed the United States to become involved in unnecessary wars.

William McKinley was a complex and controversial figure. He was a successful politician who led the country to victory in the Spanish-American War. He was also a proponent of protective tariffs and the gold standard. McKinley was assassinated in 1901, and his legacy is still debated today.

William McKinley: Our Twenty-Fifth President (Presidents of the U.S.A.)

by Cynthia Amoroso

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	25399 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	48 pages

FREE