William McKinley and His America: A Gilded Age Legacy

William McKinley and His America

by H Wayne Morgan

4.2 out of 5

FREE

William McKinley was the 25th President of the United States. He served from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. His presidency was marked by economic prosperity, the Spanish-American War, and the annexation of Hawaii.

McKinley was born in Niles, Ohio, in 1843. He attended Allegheny College and the Albany Law School. After graduating from law school, he practiced law in Ohio.

McKinley entered politics in 1876, when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served in the House for 14 years, and was Speaker of the House from 1891 to 1895.

In 1896, McKinley was elected President of the United States. He defeated Democratic candidate William Jennings Bryan.

The Gilded Age

McKinley's presidency was during the Gilded Age, a period of great economic prosperity in the United States. The Gilded Age was also a time of great social and political change.

The economic prosperity of the Gilded Age was due in part to the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution led to the development of new technologies and industries. These new technologies and industries created new jobs and wealth.

The social and political changes of the Gilded Age included the rise of big business and the growth of the labor movement. Big business became more powerful as a result of the Industrial Revolution. The growth of big business led to the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few people.

The labor movement grew in response to the exploitation of workers by big business. Workers organized unions to fight for better wages and working conditions.

The Spanish-American War

In 1898, the United States went to war with Spain. The war was fought over the issue of Cuba. Cuba was a Spanish colony, but the United States wanted to annex it.

The Spanish-American War was a short and decisive victory for the United States. The United States won the war in just 10 weeks.

As a result of the war, the United States annexed Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. The United States also gained control of Guam and Wake Island.

The Annexation of Hawaii

In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii. Hawaii was a kingdom, but the United States wanted to annex it because of its strategic location in the Pacific Ocean.

The annexation of Hawaii was a controversial decision. Some people argued that it was illegal, because Hawaii was an independent nation. Others argued that it was necessary, because Hawaii was a strategic asset.

The annexation of Hawaii was a major step in the United States' expansion into the Pacific Ocean.

McKinley's Assassination

On September 6, 1901, McKinley was assassinated by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist. Czolgosz shot McKinley twice in the chest. McKinley died eight days later.

McKinley's assassination was a national tragedy. He was a popular president, and his death was mourned by the entire country.

McKinley's assassination led to the passage of the Secret Service Act of 1901. The Secret Service Act of 1901 created the United States Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting the President and other high-ranking government officials.

William McKinley was a significant figure in American history. He was the 25th President of the United States, and he served during the Gilded Age. McKinley presided over a period of economic prosperity, the Spanish-American War, and the annexation of Hawaii. He was assassinated in 1901.

William McKinley and His America

by H Wayne Morgan

4.2 out of 5

FREE