History : William McKinley

 

William McKinley was the 25th President of the United States, serving from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. Born on January 29, 1843, in Niles, Ohio, McKinley grew up in a middle-class family and went on to have a notable career in politics.

McKinley began his political journey during the American Civil War when he enlisted as a private in the Union Army. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a brevet major by the end of the war. After the war, he studied law and was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1867.

McKinley's political career took off when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1876, where he served for 14 years. During his time in Congress, he became known for his advocacy of protective tariffs, which he believed would promote American industry and create jobs. He played a key role in the passage of the McKinley Tariff Act of 1890, which significantly raised tariffs on imported goods.

In 1896, McKinley ran for President as the Republican candidate. He campaigned on a platform of economic prosperity, advocating for high tariffs, a sound currency backed by gold, and a conservative fiscal policy. His opponent was William Jennings Bryan, the Democratic nominee who advocated for free silver and economic populism.

McKinley's campaign was successful, and he won the election, becoming the 25th President of the United States. His presidency was marked by several significant events and policy initiatives.

One of McKinley's most notable accomplishments was the passage of the Gold Standard Act in 1900, which established the gold standard as the official monetary policy of the United States. This policy aimed to stabilize the economy and maintain the value of the U.S. dollar.

Under McKinley's leadership, the United States also experienced significant territorial expansion. The Spanish-American War of 1898 resulted in the acquisition of several territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. McKinley advocated for the establishment of a colonial administration in the Philippines, which led to a prolonged conflict known as the Philippine-American War.

McKinley's presidency was characterized by a focus on business and industry. He worked to foster economic growth and stability through protective tariffs and pro-business policies. His administration also saw the rise of trusts and monopolies, leading to increased concerns about the concentration of economic power.

However, McKinley's presidency was cut short by tragedy. On September 6, 1901, while attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, McKinley was shot by an anarchist named Leon Czolgosz. Despite receiving medical treatment, McKinley succumbed to his injuries and passed away on September 14, 1901.

McKinley's assassination shocked the nation and led to increased security measures for future presidents. He was succeeded by his Vice President, Theodore Roosevelt, who continued many of McKinley's policies and went on to have a significant impact on American history.

Today, McKinley is remembered as a president who guided the nation through a period of economic growth and territorial expansion. His policies on tariffs and the gold standard shaped the country's economic landscape, while his tragic assassination left an indelible mark on American history.