William McKinley (1843–1901) was an American Republican political leader who served as the 25th president of the U.S. 1897–1901. His administration oversaw the adoption of the highest tariff rate in U.S. history and, following the Spanish-American War, the rise of U.S. imperialism.
Born in Niles, Ohio, McKinley served in the Civil War, practiced law in Canton, Ohio, and was a U.S. Congressman. He was governor of Ohio before beating Democrat William Jennings Bryan for the presidency in 1896.
During McKinley’s term in office, the United States fought the Spanish-American War and acquired a global empire that included Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. The Philippines later rebelled against American rule, and Cuba became an American protectorate. America also annexed Hawaii and fostered the Open Door policy with China.
Reelected in 1900, McKinley was shot to death by an anarchist while attending the 1901 Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo, New York. McKinley was succeeded by his vice president, Theodore Roosevelt.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by William McKinley
The mission of the United States is one of benevolent assimilation.
—William McKinley
Our earnest prayer is that God will graciously vouchsafe prosperity, happiness, and peace to all our neighbors, and like blessings to all the peoples and powers of the earth.
—William McKinley
Topics: Blessings
We cannot gamble with anything so sacred as money.
—William McKinley
Topics: Money
In the time of darkest defeat, victory may be nearest.
—William McKinley
Topics: Defeat
Let us ever remember that our interest is in concord, not in conflict; and that our real eminence rests in the victories of peace, not those of war.
—William McKinley
Topics: Peace
I do not prize the word cheap. It is not a word of inspiration. It is the badge of poverty, the signal of distress. Cheap merchandise means cheap men and cheap men mean a cheap country.
—William McKinley
Topics: Money
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