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The Last President of the 19th Century: William McKinley and the Turn of the 20th Century

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Published in THE LAST PRESIDENT OR 1900: The Most Controversial Novel By Ingersoll Lockwood An American Lawyer Writer

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William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States, served from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. He was the last president of the 19th century and the first president of the 20th century. McKinley's presidency was marked by economic prosperity and territorial expansion. He also played a key role in the Spanish-American War, which resulted in the United States acquiring new territories in the Caribbean and the Pacific.

THE LAST PRESIDENT OR 1900: The Most Controversial Novel By Ingersoll Lockwood An American Lawyer & Writer

by Ingersoll Lockwood

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	52 pages

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 his mother was a devout Methodist. McKinley received a religious upbringing and attended Sunday school regularly.

McKinley attended Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, but left after two years to volunteer for the Union Army during the Civil War. He served in the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment and rose to the rank of brevet major. After the war, McKinley returned to Ohio and studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1867 and began practicing law in Canton, Ohio.

McKinley entered politics in 1876 when he was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives. He served in the House for four terms and was elected Speaker of the House in 1884. In 1886, McKinley was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served in the House for 14 years and was a leading advocate for protective tariffs.

Presidency

McKinley was elected president in 1896, defeating William Jennings Bryan. McKinley's presidency was marked by economic prosperity. He signed the Dingley Tariff into law, which raised tariffs on imported goods. The tariff protected American industries and helped to stimulate the economy. McKinley also oversaw the creation of the gold standard, which tied the value of the dollar to the price of gold. The gold standard helped to stabilize the economy and attract foreign investment.

McKinley's presidency also saw the United States expand its territory. In 1898, the United States went to war with Spain over the issue of Cuban independence. The Spanish-American War ended with the United States acquiring Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. McKinley also negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867.

McKinley's foreign policy was based on the Open Door Policy, which called for equal access to trade for all nations in China. McKinley believed that the Open Door Policy would help to promote peace and prosperity in the Far East.

Assassination

McKinley was assassinated on September 6, 1901, while attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. He was shot by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist. McKinley died eight days later from his wounds.

McKinley's assassination shocked the nation. He was a popular president, and his death was seen as a great loss. McKinley's assassination also marked the end of an era. He was the last president of the 19th century, and his death symbolized the beginning of a new century.

Legacy

William McKinley is remembered as a successful president who oversaw a period of economic prosperity and territorial expansion. He is also remembered for his role in the Spanish-American War and the Open Door Policy. McKinley's assassination was a tragic event, but it also marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new century.

THE LAST PRESIDENT OR 1900: The Most Controversial Novel By Ingersoll Lockwood An American Lawyer & Writer

by Ingersoll Lockwood

4.1 out of 5