William McKinley

William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, was born on January 29, 1843, in Niles, Ohio. He was the seventh of nine children, born to William McKinley Sr. and Nancy (née Allison) McKinley. His family was of Scots-Irish and English descent, and they were known for their strong sense of morality and determination, qualities which McKinley embodied throughout his life. He attended public schools and then enrolled at Allegheny College.

On June 11, 1861, William McKinley enlisted in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He began as a private in the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was under the command of Rutherford B. Hayes, who would later become the 19th President of the United States. McKinley demonstrated exceptional leadership and bravery during the war, eventually rising to the rank of brevet major. His military service played a crucial role in his development as a leader.

William McKinley was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and took office on March 4, 1877. As a member of Congress, McKinley became a steadfast advocate for protective tariffs, which he believed would encourage American industry and protect American workers from foreign competition. His time in Congress established him as a prominent political figure in the Republican Party and led to his involvement in key legislative decisions during his tenure.

William McKinley was elected as the 25th President of the United States on November 3, 1896, defeating Democrat William Jennings Bryan. McKinley's campaign, managed by Mark Hanna, was notable for its effective use of modern campaign techniques and for highlighting the Republican platform of sound money, high tariffs, and economic growth. His election marked the beginning of a period of Republican dominance in national politics and the ushering in of the Progressive Era.

Under the administration of President William McKinley, the United States declared war on Spain on April 25, 1898, following the explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, Cuba. The conflict, known as the Spanish-American War, was characterized by a swift and decisive American victory, resulting in the Treaty of Paris and the end of Spanish colonial rule in the Americas. The war had significant implications for American foreign policy and signaled the emergence of the U.S. as a world power.

On September 6, 1901, President William McKinley was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz while attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. The shooting took place at the Temple of Music, where McKinley was greeting the public. Despite initial optimism about his recovery, McKinley's condition worsened due to gangrene caused by the bullet wounds, and he succumbed to his injuries several days later. This tragic event highlighted vulnerabilities in presidential security.

William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, died on September 14, 1901, at the age of 58, following an assassination. He passed away at the home of John Milburn in Buffalo, New York, eight days after being shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz. McKinley's death shocked the nation and led to the swearing-in of his Vice President, Theodore Roosevelt, as the new President. McKinley's presidency is noted for significant economic growth and imperial expansion.