William McKinley (1843–1901) was the 25th President of the United States, serving from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. A Republican, he led the nation through the Spanish-American War and pursued pro-business economic policies including protective tariffs and the gold standard.
McKinley’s presidency marked the United States’ emergence as an international power after victory in the Spanish-American War and the acquisition of overseas territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, and the annexation of Hawaii. Domestically, he promoted economic stability through the Dingley Tariff and the Gold Standard Act, aligning the federal government with business and industrial interests.
His administration accelerated American overseas expansion, a legacy that generated lasting debate over imperialism and national identity. McKinley’s assassination in 1901 brought Theodore Roosevelt to the presidency and helped usher in a more activist, progressive phase of American governance.
Led the U.S. in the Spanish-American War (1898) and negotiated the Treaty of Paris;Annexed Hawaii and oversaw acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines;Enacted the Dingley Tariff to raise protective tariffs (1897);Signed the Gold Standard Act (1900) to stabilize currency;Articulated the Open Door Policy promoting equal trade access in China;Assassinated in 1901, succeeded by Theodore Roosevelt
Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.
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On July 4, 1901, William Howard Taft took office as the first civilian Governor-General of the Philippines, having been appointed by President McKinley to lead the new civil administration.
On June 12, 1901, Cuba’s Constitutional Convention approved a constitution that included the provisions required by the U.S. Platt Amendment.
On May 27, 1901 the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in De Lima v. Bidwell, addressing whether goods shipped from Puerto Rico were subject to U.S. import duties.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Downes v. Bidwell that the Constitution does not automatically extend in full to territories like Puerto Rico and upheld the imposition of customs duties on goods from Puerto Rico.
The Pan-American Exposition, a major international fair showcasing industry, technology, and culture from the Americas, officially opened in Buffalo, New York.
Following his capture by American forces in March, Filipino leader Emilio Aguinaldo swore allegiance to the United States and issued appeals for his followers to lay down their arms.
On March 23, 1901 Filipino leader Emilio Aguinaldo was captured by U.S. Army forces in Palanan, Isabela, during the Philippine–American War.
On March 4, 1901, President William McKinley delivered his second inaugural address, stressing continued economic prosperity, protective tariffs, and the United States' responsibilities arising from recent overseas acquisitions.
On March 4, 1901 William McKinley took the oath of office for his second term and delivered an inaugural address, while Theodore Roosevelt was sworn in as Vice President.
On March 2, 1901, the U.S. Congress approved the Platt Amendment, a set of conditions limiting Cuba's treaty-making and debt and authorizing U.S. intervention in Cuban affairs.
Following the death of Britain's Queen Victoria on January 22, 1901, President William McKinley transmitted an official message of condolence to the British monarch and government.
State electors convened on December 17, 1900, and cast their ballots, awarding William McKinley a second term as president and Theodore Roosevelt the vice presidency.