McKinley: Terror and Empire at the Dawn of the American Century

William McKinley was the 25th president of the United States. He served from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. During his presidency, the United States acquired new territories, including Hawaii and the Philippines. McKinley also oversaw the passage of the Dingley Tariff, which raised tariffs on imported goods.

The President and the Assassin: McKinley, Terror, and Empire at the Dawn of the American Century

by Scott Miller

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5261 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	450 pages

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McKinley's Early Life and Career

William McKinley was born in Niles, Ohio, on January 29, 1843. He was the seventh of nine children born to William and Nancy McKinley. McKinley's father was a successful iron manufacturer and businessman. McKinley's mother was a devout Methodist. McKinley was raised in a strict religious environment and he developed a strong work ethic at a young age.

McKinley attended Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1860 with a degree in law. After graduating from college, McKinley returned to Ohio and practiced law. He also became involved in politics. In 1869, McKinley was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives. He served in the Ohio House of Representatives for four years.

In 1876, McKinley was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served in the House of Representatives for 14 years. During his time in the House of Representatives, McKinley became a leading advocate for protective tariffs. He also supported the gold standard and a strong national defense.

McKinley's Presidency

In 1896, McKinley was elected president of the United States. He defeated the Democratic candidate, William Jennings Bryan. McKinley's victory was due in part to his strong support for protective tariffs. McKinley believed that protective tariffs would protect American jobs and industries.

McKinley's presidency was marked by a number of important events. In 1898, the United States declared war on Spain. The Spanish-American War was a short but decisive conflict. The United States won the war and acquired new territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

McKinley also oversaw the passage of the Dingley Tariff. The Dingley Tariff raised tariffs on imported goods. The Dingley Tariff was designed to protect American jobs and industries. However, the Dingley Tariff also led to higher prices for consumers.

McKinley was assassinated on September 6, 1901, by Leon Czolgosz. Czolgosz was an anarchist who believed that McKinley was a tyrant. McKinley was shot twice in the abdomen. He died eight days later.

McKinley's Legacy

William McKinley was a complex and controversial figure. He was a strong supporter of American imperialism and he oversaw the acquisition of new territories. McKinley also raised tariffs on imported goods and he supported the gold standard. McKinley was assassinated by an anarchist in 1901.

McKinley's legacy is still debated today. Some historians believe that McKinley was a great president who led the United States to victory in the Spanish-American War and who oversaw a period of economic prosperity. Other historians believe that McKinley was a ruthless imperialist who expanded the American empire and who raised tariffs on imported goods. McKinley's legacy is likely to continue to be debated for many years to come.

Additional Resources

* The White House: William McKinley * History.com: William McKinley * PBS: American Experience: William McKinley: A Soldier in Politics

The President and the Assassin: McKinley, Terror, and Empire at the Dawn of the American Century

by Scott Miller

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5261 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	450 pages

FREE