Category: William McKinley

William McKinley was the 25th President of the United States, serving from 1897 until his assassination in 1901.

These FAQs delve into the life, presidency and assassination of William McKinley:

1. When and where was William McKinley born?
   • He was born on January 29, 1843, in Niles, Ohio.
2. What were McKinley’s major accomplishments as president?
   • McKinley led the country during the Spanish-American War in 1898, resulting in the U.S. acquiring territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. He also supported the Gold Standard Act in 1900, which officially placed U.S. currency on the gold standard.
3. How did McKinley die?
   • President McKinley was assassinated. He was shot by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist, on September 6, 1901, during a public event in Buffalo, New York, and died from his wounds on September 14.
4. Who succeeded William McKinley as president?
   • After McKinley’s death, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt succeeded him as the 26th President of the United States.
5. What was McKinley’s stance on tariffs?
   • McKinley was a proponent of protective tariffs, believing they protected American jobs and businesses. The McKinley Tariff of 1890 was named after him when he was a congressman, and it raised average tariff duties to historically high levels.
6. Did William McKinley serve in the military?
   • Yes, McKinley served in the Union Army during the Civil War, rising to the rank of brevet major.
7. What were the main issues during McKinley’s presidential campaigns?
   • Major issues during his campaigns included the currency debate (gold vs. silver), imperialism following the Spanish-American War, and protective tariffs.
8. Who did McKinley run against in his presidential elections?
   • In 1896, McKinley ran against Democrat William Jennings Bryan and defeated him. They faced off again in the 1900 election, with McKinley emerging victorious once more.
9. How is William McKinley remembered today?

• McKinley is often remembered for leading the U.S. into the age of imperialism, overseeing the annexation of Hawaii, and his leadership during the Spanish-American War. He’s also known for his tragic assassination and the subsequent rise of Theodore Roosevelt.

11. Is there a memorial or monument for McKinley?

• Yes, the William McKinley National Memorial in Canton, Ohio, is the final resting place of the 25th President and his family.

12. How did McKinley’s assassination impact the U.S.?

• Beyond the immediate shock and grief, McKinley’s assassination led to an examination of presidential security protocols and eventually to the Secret Service taking on full-time protection of the president.