William McKinley
Full Name and Common Aliases
William McKinley
Also known as "The Front Porch Campaigner" due to his use of a front porch as a campaign stage in the 1896 election.
Birth and Death Dates
January 29, 1843 – September 14, 1901
Nationality and Profession(s)
American; Politician (23rd President of the United States), Lawyer, Military Officer
Early Life and Background
William McKinley was born in Niles, Ohio on January 29, 1843. He grew up in a family that valued education, which led him to attend Allegheny College in Pennsylvania. McKinley's interest in law led him to transfer to the Albany Law School in New York, where he graduated in 1867.
After completing his studies, McKinley moved back to Ohio and established a law practice in Canton. He married Ida Saxton in 1871, with whom he had two daughters before her untimely death from "typhoid fever" (a term used at the time) at age 25.
Major Accomplishments
McKinley's entry into politics began in 1867 when he was elected to the Ohio State Senate. He later served as a U.S. Congressman and then as the Governor of Ohio from 1892 until 1896.
In 1896, McKinley won the Republican nomination for President, defeating William Jennings Bryan in the general election. As President, McKinley oversaw several significant accomplishments, including:
The Gold Standard Act (1894), which made gold the standard unit of value in the U.S.
The Sherman Anti-Trust Act (1890), aimed at preventing monopolies and promoting fair competition
* The Dingley Tariff (1897), a protective tariff that raised duties on imported goods
McKinley also played a key role in the Spanish-American War, which resulted in the U.S. gaining control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
Notable Works or Actions
As President, McKinley was known for his strong leadership and vision for America's future. He believed in the importance of education and signed several bills to increase federal funding for schools.
McKinley also took a firm stance on foreign policy, which led to increased tensions with European powers. However, he remained committed to maintaining peace and avoiding conflict whenever possible.
Impact and Legacy
William McKinley's presidency had a lasting impact on the United States. His policies helped shape the country's economic and social landscape for generations to come.
Despite his many accomplishments, McKinley's life was cut short by an assassin's bullet in 1901. As he stood at a public event in Buffalo, New York, Leon Frank Czolgosz shot him twice at point-blank range. McKinley died eight days later, becoming the third U.S. President to be assassinated.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
McKinley's quotes and legacy continue to resonate with Americans today. His commitment to education, economic growth, and peace have inspired many leaders throughout history.
As a politician who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful men in the world, McKinley remains an important figure in American history. His story serves as a reminder that hard work, determination, and a strong vision can take anyone far.
Quotes by William McKinley
Our faith teaches 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 and who will not forsake us so long as we obey His commandments and walk humbly in His footsteps.
Our earnest prayer is that God will graciously vouchsafe prosperity, happiness, and peace to all our neighbors, and like blessings to all the peoples and powers of the earth.
The American flag has not been planted on foreign soil to acquire more territory but for humanity’s sake.
That’s all a man can hope for during his lifetime – to set an example – and when he is dead, to be an inspiration for history.
The more profoundly we study this wonderful Book, and the more closely we observe its divine precepts, the better citizens we will become and the higher will be our destiny as a nation.
Unlike any other nation, here the people rule, and their will is the supreme law. It is sometimes sneeringly said by those who do not like free government, that here we count heads. True, heads are counted, but brains also . . .
The American flag has not been planted on foreign soil to acquire more territory but for humanity's sake.
Our faith teaches 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 and who will not forsake us so long as we obey His commandments and walk humbly in His footsteps
Finally it should be the earnest wish and paramount aim of the military administration to win the confidence, respect, and affection of the inhabitants of the Philippines by assuring them in every possible way that full measure of individual rights and liberties which is the heritage of free peoples, and by proving to them that the mission of the United States is one of benevolent assimilation substituting the mild sway of justice and right for arbitrary rule.
The liberty to make our laws does not give us the freedom nor the license to break our laws!