President William McKinley was the 25th President of the United States and served two terms from 1897 to 1901. He was born in Niles, Ohio on January 29, 1843, and was the last president to have been born before the Civil War. He lived a remarkable life, serving in the Union Army during the Civil war, and rising through the political ranks to become one of the most respected presidents in US history. Here are some facts about President William McKinley:
- He was a Civil War Hero
Before his presidency, William McKinley served in the Union army during the Civil War. He enlisted as a private in a volunteer regiment and was quickly promoted to the rank of major. He became famous for his bravery, and after the war, he was honored with the rank of brevet major. His service in the military earned him the respect of many Americans, which helped him later in his political career.
- He was a Pro-Business President
William McKinley was well-regarded among business leaders, and he was known for his pro-business policies. Under his leadership, the United States experienced a period of rapid economic growth, with new businesses and industries emerging across the country. He favored the gold standard over silver, and he signed the Dingley Tariff Act, which increased tariffs on foreign goods entering the US.
- He was a Devout Christian
McKinley was a devout Christian and was known for his deep faith. He was a regular attendee at church services and would often pray before making important decisions. During his presidency, he led the nation in prayer, and he famously stated, “Our faith teaches us that there is no safer reliance than upon the God of our fathers who has so singularly favored the American people in every national trial from the building of the first vessels that furrowed the waters of the Atlantic to the present hour of peril and of patriotic endeavor.”
- He was Assassinated
On September 6, 1901, while attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, McKinley was shot twice by an anarchist named Leon Czolgosz. The first shot was not fatal, but the second bullet pierced his stomach, causing severe internal bleeding. McKinley died of his injuries eight days later, making him the third US President to be assassinated. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt was sworn in to succeed him.
- He Helped to Make America a World Power
During his presidency, William McKinley oversaw the Spanish-American War, which helped to establish the US as a world power. The US acquired Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines as a result of the war, and the country gained a new level of international influence. McKinley is also credited with helping to negotiate the Open Door policy with China, which helped to expand American trade in the region.
William McKinley was a remarkable man who helped to shape the course of American history. His contributions to the country are still remembered today, and his legacy continues to inspire Americans to strive for greatness.
