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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Spain broke off diplomatic relations with the United States amid the crisis over Cuba and U.S. pressure for intervention.
President McKinley issued a proclamation instituting a naval blockade of Cuban ports to interdict Spanish shipping and supplies.
Congress approved the Teller Amendment, attached to the joint resolution on Cuba, disavowing any intention by the United States to annex Cuba as a result of intervention.
President McKinley sent a special message to Congress asking for authority to use land and naval forces in and around Cuba to protect American lives and secure peace.
A U.S. Naval Court of Inquiry released its report concluding that the armored cruiser USS Maine had been destroyed by an external explosion (a submarine mine).
The U.S. Navy battleship USS Oregon steamed out of San Francisco on March 19, 1898, bound for the Caribbean to join Atlantic forces amid rising tensions with Spain.
President William McKinley directed the Navy Department to conduct an official investigation into the explosion and sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor.
The U.S. battleship Maine exploded and sank in Havana Harbor, killing approximately 266 sailors.
Following publication of his private letter insulting President McKinley, Spanish minister Enrique Dupuy de Lôme resigned and was recalled to Spain on February 11, 1898.
The New York Journal published a private letter from Spanish minister Enrique Dupuy de Lôme that criticized President McKinley as weak and conciliatory toward Spain.
The U.S. battleship USS Maine arrived and anchored in Havana Harbor to protect American lives and property during the Cuban revolt against Spain.
President McKinley sent his first Annual Message to Congress on December 6, 1897, addressing the Cuban insurrection, urging protection of American lives and property, and calling attention to tariff, currency, and measures to strengthen the Navy and national defenses.