The presidency
War with Spain in 1898 brought the United States control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Hawaii was annexed in the same year through a separate process. Fighting in the Philippines continued as Filipinos resisted American rule. At home, McKinley supported high tariffs and the gold standard. He was assassinated in 1901, early in his second term.
Before the White House
Niles, Ohio
Born January 29, 1843.
McKinley grew up in Ohio and served in the Union army during the Civil War. After training in law, he settled in Canton. His congressional career made him closely associated with protective tariffs, and he later served as governor of Ohio. His 1896 campaign emphasized prosperity and a stable currency.
Key moments
-
Born in Niles, Ohio
-
Led the nation in the Spanish-American War.
-
Signed the resolution annexing Hawaii.
-
Signed the Gold Standard Act.
Notable laws & actions
These entries distinguish laws, treaties, executive decisions, and proposals. Congress passes statutes; presidents sign or veto them. A president does not act alone.
Dingley Tariff
Raised import duties as part of a program favoring protection for American industry.
Gold Standard Act
Formally established gold as the standard for the dollar and provided mechanisms to maintain it.
Hawaii annexation resolution
Approved annexation by joint resolution. Hawaii’s annexation was separate from the peace settlement with Spain.
Legacy
His presidency marked a decisive turn toward an overseas American role. The economic policies he championed also helped define Republican politics at the turn of the twentieth century.
Miller Center · Biography & facts ↗
Controversies
His expansion policy led to war in the Philippines.
In their words
“Our diplomacy should seek nothing more and accept nothing less than is due us.”First Inaugural Address · Quoted by the Miller Center ↗
McKinley described a peaceful diplomatic ideal before the Spanish-American War. Compare this stated goal with the later course of his presidency.
Short excerpt; wording and capitalization follow the cited source.
Look closer
View image source record ↗
Reading a portrait
Look at the clothing, pose, expression, and background. What impression of leadership does this image create?
A portrait represents one moment and one choice of presentation. Compare its message with the decisions described in this biography.
Test your knowledge
Try answering before opening each explanation.
Where was William McKinley born?
Niles, Ohio.
When did this president serve?
1897–1901.
What is one law or action associated with this presidency?
Dingley Tariff. Raised import duties as part of a program favoring protection for American industry.
What is one lasting part of this president’s legacy?
His presidency marked a decisive turn toward an overseas American role. The economic policies he championed also helped define Republican politics at the turn of the twentieth century.
Sources & further reading
The linked biographies support the life history and policy summaries above. Quotations and image credits have their own source links.
- Miller Center · Biography & facts
- Miller Center · Early life
- Miller Center · Domestic affairs
- Miller Center · Foreign affairs
- Miller Center · Life in brief
- Portrait source record
Prepared September 23, 2026.