Presidency of William McKinley

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The Presidency of William McKinley began on March 4, 1897, when William McKinley was inaugurated as the 25th President of the United States, and ended with his assassination on September 14, 1901. McKinley, a member of the Republican Party, was succeeded by his Vice President, Theodore Roosevelt.

Domestic Policy

McKinley's domestic policy was marked by a commitment to protectionism and the gold standard. He signed the Dingley Act in 1897, which raised tariffs to protect American industries and workers. McKinley also supported the Currency Act of 1900, which established gold as the sole standard for redeeming paper money, effectively ending the debate over bimetallism.

Economic Policy

McKinley's economic policies were designed to promote industrial growth and stabilize the economy. The Dingley Act was one of the highest tariffs in American history and aimed to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. The Currency Act of 1900 reinforced the gold standard, which helped to stabilize the economy and attract foreign investment.

Labor Relations

McKinley's administration faced several labor disputes, including the Coal Strike of 1900. He generally favored arbitration and negotiation over the use of force, a stance that helped to mitigate some of the tensions between labor and management.

Foreign Policy

McKinley's foreign policy was characterized by a significant expansion of American influence and territory. His administration is best known for its role in the Spanish-American War, which resulted in the United States acquiring territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War began in April 1898 and ended in August of the same year. The war was sparked by the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, which led to widespread public support for intervention in Cuba. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris (1898), which ceded control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States.

Annexation of Hawaii

In 1898, McKinley signed the Newlands Resolution, which led to the annexation of Hawaii. This move was part of a broader strategy to expand American influence in the Pacific and secure coaling stations for the U.S. Navy.

Assassination

William McKinley was assassinated on September 6, 1901, by anarchist Leon Czolgosz while attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. He succumbed to his injuries on September 14, 1901, and was succeeded by Vice President Theodore Roosevelt.

Legacy

McKinley's presidency is often seen as a turning point in American history, marking the nation's emergence as a global power. His policies laid the groundwork for the economic prosperity of the early 20th century and set the stage for the progressive reforms of his successor, Theodore Roosevelt.

Related Pages

• William McKinley
• Theodore Roosevelt
• Spanish-American War
• Dingley Act
• Currency Act of 1900
• Annexation of Hawaii
• Pan-American Exposition

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