William McKinley

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William McKinley (January 29, 1843 – September 14, 1901) was the 25th President of the United States, serving from March 4, 1897, until his assassination in September 1901, six months into his second term. McKinley led the nation to victory in the Spanish-American War, raised protective tariffs to promote American industry, and maintained the nation on the gold standard in a rejection of inflationary proposals.

Early Life and Career

William McKinley was born in Niles, Ohio, and later moved to Poland, Ohio, where he attended Poland Seminary. Before entering politics, he briefly attended Allegheny College and was a teacher. He served in the American Civil War as a member of the Union Army, where he rose to the rank of brevet major. After the war, McKinley studied law, opened a legal practice in Canton, Ohio, and became active in local Republican politics.

Political Career

McKinley's political career began in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served from 1877 to 1891. He was known for the McKinley Tariff, which imposed protective tariffs to support domestic industries. After losing his congressional seat, he served two terms as governor of Ohio from 1892 to 1896.

Presidency

McKinley won the presidential election of 1896 and was re-elected in 1900. His presidency was marked by economic prosperity and significant foreign policy achievements, including the annexation of Hawaii, the end of the Spanish-American War, and the acquisition of the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico, expanding the United States' influence abroad.

Assassination

McKinley was assassinated by anarchist Leon Czolgosz at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, and died on September 14, 1901. He was succeeded by his Vice President, Theodore Roosevelt.

Legacy

McKinley's presidency is often seen as a turning point in American history, marking the country's emergence as a world power. The McKinley Tariff and his leadership during the Spanish-American War are significant aspects of his legacy. His assassination led to a focus on presidential security and the eventual creation of the United States Secret Service's protective mission for the president. 0