William McKinley

William McKinley (1843-1901) was the 25th President of the United States, serving from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. Born in Ohio, McKinley had a distinguished career as a congressman before his election to the presidency. His administration marked a turning point in American foreign policy, shifting toward greater international engagement and imperial expansion. McKinley led the nation through the Spanish-American War (1898), which resulted in American acquisition of overseas territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, establishing the United States as a world power. He also oversaw the annexation of Hawaii and pursued an assertive foreign policy in Latin America. Domestically, McKinley promoted protective tariffs to support American industry and presided during a period of economic prosperity following the depression of the 1890s. He won reelection in 1900 with his Vice President Theodore Roosevelt. McKinley's presidency represented American confidence and expansionism at the turn of the 20th century. His tenure was cut short when he was assassinated by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist, on September 6, 1901, dying eight days later. Roosevelt succeeded him, continuing many of McKinley's policies. McKinley's presidency marked a significant shift in American global engagement and remains studied for its role in establishing American imperial power.