William McKinley

William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, served from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. His presidency was marked by significant events, including the Spanish-American War, economic prosperity, and the annexation of territories that expanded American influence. McKinley’s leadership style, characterized by his calm demeanor and strategic political skills, played a crucial role in navigating the United States through a transformative period at the turn of the 20th century. 

Early Life and Education

William McKinley was born on January 29, 1843, in Niles, Ohio. He was the seventh of nine children in a family of modest means. His father, William McKinley Sr., was a manager at a charcoal furnace and later operated a small iron foundry, while his mother, Nancy Allison McKinley, was known for her strong religious faith and dedication to her children (Phillips, 2003). 

McKinley’s early education was in local schools, where he excelled academically. At the age of 16, he enrolled at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, but illness and financial difficulties forced him to leave after only one year. Returning to Ohio, McKinley briefly worked as a schoolteacher before enlisting in the Union Army at the onset of the Civil War in 1861 (Phillips, 2003). 

Civil War Service

McKinley’s military service was a defining period of his life. He enlisted as a private in the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, where he served under future President Rutherford B. Hayes. McKinley’s bravery and leadership were evident throughout his service, particularly during the Battle of Antietam, where he earned a commendation for delivering hot coffee and food to soldiers under heavy fire (Morgan, 2003). 

By the end of the war, McKinley had risen to the rank of brevet major, a testament to his dedication and capabilities. His wartime experiences instilled in him a deep sense of patriotism and a commitment to public service, which would shape his future political career (Morgan, 2003). 

Legal and Political Career

After the Civil War, McKinley studied law under a prominent attorney in Poland, Ohio, and was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1867. He established a successful legal practice in Canton, Ohio, where his reputation for integrity and hard work quickly grew. McKinley’s involvement in local Republican politics began during this time, and in 1869, he was elected prosecuting attorney of Stark County (Morgan, 2003). 

McKinley’s political ascent continued with his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1876. During his fourteen years in Congress, McKinley became known for his expertise in tariff policy. He was a staunch advocate for protective tariffs, which he believed were essential for American industrial growth and worker prosperity. His advocacy culminated in the McKinley Tariff of 1890, which significantly raised tariff rates to protect domestic industries (Phillips, 2003). 

Governorship of Ohio

Following his defeat in the 1890 congressional election, McKinley’s political career appeared uncertain. However, his reputation and popularity remained strong, leading to his election as Governor of Ohio in 1891. As governor, McKinley focused on labor rights, education reform, and economic development. His pragmatic approach to governance and ability to build bipartisan support enhanced his political stature nationally (Phillips, 2003). 

McKinley’s tenure as governor showcased his leadership skills and set the stage for his presidential ambitions. His handling of the economic challenges of the Panic of 1893 further solidified his reputation as a capable and compassionate leader, committed to addressing the needs of his constituents (Morgan, 2003). 

Presidential Campaign and Election

The economic turmoil of the 1890s and the ensuing debate over monetary policy became central issues in the 1896 presidential election. McKinley, running as the Republican candidate, supported the gold standard, while his opponent, William Jennings Bryan, advocated for the free coinage of silver. McKinley’s campaign, managed by the astute Mark Hanna, emphasized economic stability and industrial growth, appealing to a broad coalition of voters (Phillips, 2003). 

McKinley’s front porch campaign, where he delivered speeches from his home in Canton, proved effective in conveying his message and connecting with voters. The campaign’s emphasis on modern communication strategies and media outreach marked a significant evolution in American political campaigning. McKinley’s decisive victory in the 1896 election reflected the electorate’s preference for stability and economic growth (Morgan, 2003). 

First Term (1897-1901)

McKinley’s first term as president was marked by significant economic and foreign policy achievements. His administration focused on restoring economic prosperity and expanding American influence abroad. 

Economic Policy and Prosperity

McKinley’s economic policies prioritized restoring confidence in the American economy. He supported the Dingley Tariff of 1897, which raised tariff rates to protect American industries and generate revenue. The economic recovery that followed the Panic of 1893 validated McKinley’s approach and contributed to a period of sustained economic growth (Gould, 1980). 

McKinley’s administration also addressed currency issues by supporting the Gold Standard Act of 1900, which established gold as the sole basis for redeeming paper currency. This legislation stabilized the national economy and reassured international investors of the United States’ financial stability (Gould, 1980). 

Spanish-American War

The most significant foreign policy challenge of McKinley’s presidency was the Spanish-American War of 1898. The conflict arose from the Cuban struggle for independence from Spain and was exacerbated by the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor. Public outrage and pressure from Congress led McKinley to request a declaration of war, which Congress granted on April 25, 1898 (Trask, 1981). 

The Spanish-American War was brief but consequential. The U.S. military quickly defeated Spanish forces in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. The Treaty of Paris, signed in December 1898, ended the war and resulted in the United States acquiring Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, and establishing a protectorate over Cuba. These acquisitions marked the emergence of the United States as a global power and expanded its influence in the Caribbean and the Pacific (Trask, 1981). 

Annexation of Hawaii

In addition to the territorial gains from the Spanish-American War, McKinley’s administration oversaw the annexation of Hawaii in 1898. The strategic importance of the Hawaiian Islands for military and economic purposes made their annexation a priority for McKinley. The establishment of Pearl Harbor as a naval base further solidified the United States’ presence in the Pacific (Morgan, 2003). 

Second Term and Assassination

McKinley’s successful first term and the nation’s prosperity contributed to his re-election in 1900. Running again with Vice President Theodore Roosevelt, McKinley defeated William Jennings Bryan in a rematch. However, McKinley’s second term was tragically cut short. 

On September 6, 1901, McKinley was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz while attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. Despite initial hopes for his recovery, McKinley succumbed to his injuries on September 14, 1901. His death shocked the nation and led to a period of mourning and reflection on his presidency and legacy (Phillips, 2003). 

Personal Life and Character

William McKinley was known for his dignified and amiable character. His marriage to Ida Saxton in 1871 was a significant personal relationship, marked by mutual devotion. The couple faced personal tragedies, including the deaths of their two young daughters, which deeply affected Ida’s health. Throughout their marriage, McKinley remained a devoted husband, often prioritizing Ida’s well-being over his own political duties (Gould, 1980). 

McKinley’s personal qualities of kindness, integrity, and dedication to public service endeared him to many Americans. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes with tact and diplomacy was a hallmark of his leadership style. McKinley’s calm and measured approach to governance provided stability during times of economic and international uncertainty (Morgan, 2003). 

Legacy

William McKinley’s presidency left a lasting impact on the United States. His economic policies and support for the gold standard helped stabilize the national economy and fostered a period of prosperity. The protective tariffs implemented during his administration supported American industries and contributed to economic growth (Gould, 1980). 

McKinley’s foreign policy achievements, particularly the outcomes of the Spanish-American War and the annexation of Hawaii, expanded American influence and established the United States as a global power. These actions laid the groundwork for future American involvement in international affairs and set a precedent for U.S. territorial expansion (Trask, 1981).

 Despite his assassination, McKinley’s legacy continued through the presidency of his successor, Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt’s progressive policies and assertive foreign policy were built on the foundation established by McKinley, highlighting the enduring influence of McKinley’s leadership (Gould, 1980). 

Final Summary

William McKinley’s presidency was marked by significant achievements in economic policy, foreign affairs, and national development. His calm and strategic leadership guided the United States through a period of transformation at the turn of the 20th century. McKinley’s legacy as a stabilizing force in American politics and a promoter of economic growth and international influence remains an important chapter in the history of the United States.

 

References

Gould, L. L. (1980). The Presidency of William McKinley. University Press of Kansas.

Morgan, H. W. (2003). William McKinley and His America. Kent State University Press.

Phillips, K. (2003). William McKinley: The American Presidents Series: The 25th President, 1897-1901. Times Books.

Trask, D. F. (1981). The War with Spain in 1898. University of Nebraska Press.

Olcott, C. S. (1916). The Life of William McKinley. Houghton Mifflin.