Remembering McKinley: More Than Just an Assassination
William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, frequently enough remembered for his tragic assassination, had a remarkable life and impactful presidency. While a visit to Canton, Ohio, reveals a majestic mausoleum dedicated to McKinley alongside his wife, Ida, and the mckinley Presidential Library & Museum, his legacy extends far beyond the circumstances of his death in 1901. From his early prominence as a Civil War veteran to his policies on tariffs and his leadership during the Spanish-American War, McKinley’s story is one of ambition, conversion, and the dawn of American imperialism.
A Life of Service and Tariffs
Before entering the White House,McKinley made a name for himself as an Ohio Republican congressman. According to University of Akron history professor Kevin Kern, McKinley’s defining passion was tariffs. ”that was his jam,man! He just really,really loved tariffs. People eventually called him the Napoleon of protection,” Kern stated.
His dedication led to the 1890 “McKinley tariff,” which raised rates as high as 50%. However, the subsequent economic downturn cost him his seat in Congress. Undeterred, McKinley was elected governor of Ohio and than, in 1896, president of the United States.
The Spanish-American War and the Birth of an Empire
Initially focused on the economy, McKinley’s presidency took a dramatic turn wiht the explosion of the Battleship Maine in Cuba. While the cause of the explosion remained unclear, it ignited a fervor for war. McKinley initially urged caution, a stance that drew criticism, including from his own Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Theodore Roosevelt.
“Teddy Roosevelt very famously is reported to have said that, ‘McKinley has the backbone of a chocolate éclair.'”
kevin Kern, University of Akron history professor
Despite his initial hesitation, McKinley eventually led the nation into the Spanish-American War. In just four months, the war concluded with the U.S. gaining control of Cuba,acquiring Puerto rico,Guam,and the Philippines. That same year, the U.S. annexed Hawaii, marking the beginning of an American empire.
However, McKinley’s view on expansion was nuanced.Kern explained, “He really rejected this idea of the United States as an expansionist power for the point of its own self-aggrandizement. He really believed that they were bringing the American promise to these new territories.”
the Philippine-American War: A contentious Legacy
The U.S.acquisition of the Philippines led to the philippine-American War, a conflict that resulted in the deaths of as many as a quarter-million Filipino civilians. Kern noted the parallels to later conflicts, stating, ”In some ways, yeah. Here is the first engagement of American forces on another country in a guerilla war. It was really ugly.”
Despite the controversy surrounding the war, McKinley secured re-election in 1900 by a landslide.
Assassination and Remembrance
In 1901, while attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, N.Y.,McKinley was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz. Even in his final moments, McKinley displayed remarkable composure. Kern recounted,”He’s mortally wounded by this guy,and ther are people all around,they’re just beating the tar out of Czolgosz.And they probably would have killed him. What dose McKinley say? He has been shot by this guy. he says, ‘Go easy on him, boys!'”
President William McKinley died eight days later at the age of 58.The nation mourned his death, with Kern comparing the public response to that of the Kennedy assassination, stating, “Oh, absolutely. If anything, even more.”
In 1907, the McKinley Memorial was dedicated in Canton, Ohio, before an estimated crowd of 50,000 people, a testament to the profound impact he had on the country. Kern shared a poignant anecdote: “My grandmother was a schoolteacher in,like,the 1910s. And they had a portrait of McKinley on the wall of her schoolhouse – this is almost 20 years later – draped in black crepe. That was the degree of admiration and respect that people had for him.”
Conclusion
William McKinley’s presidency, though cut short by tragedy, was a pivotal period in American history. From his dedication to economic policy to his leadership during the Spanish-American War and the dawn of American imperialism, McKinley left an indelible mark on the nation. While his assassination remains a important part of his story, exploring his life and policies reveals a more complete and nuanced understanding of this influential president.
Unmasking McKinley: Beyond the Assassination—A Legacy of Tariffs, War, and Empire
Did you know that William McKinley, remembered primarily for his assassination, was a pivotal figure in shaping American imperialism and economic policy? His legacy extends far beyond the tragic events of 1901.
Interviewer: Professor Amelia Hernandez, welcome to World-Today-News.com. Your expertise on late 19th-century American history, especially the McKinley presidency, is renowned. Let’s begin by exploring McKinley’s early career. He’s often characterized as a staunch protectionist; can you elaborate on his views on tariffs and their impact?
Professor Hernandez: Absolutely. William McKinley’s deep commitment to protective tariffs was, indeed, a cornerstone of his political identity.He believed strongly in safeguarding American industries from foreign competition. His “McKinley Tariff” of 1890, while raising rates considerably—some as high as 50%—reflects this unwavering belief.This emphasis on protectionist trade policies significantly shaped American economic growth during this period. While initially successful in boosting some sectors, the subsequent economic downturn highlights the complexities and potential downsides of such high tariffs. This economic outcome, in fact, cost him his congressional seat temporarily but ultimately served to solidify his reputation as a figure who championed American economic self-reliance. This passion for tariffs wasn’t just a political stance; it was a deeply held conviction that he believed shaped,and even defined,the economic well-being of the nation.
Interviewer: The Spanish-American War dramatically altered McKinley’s presidency and America’s global standing. How did his initial hesitancy evolve into a decision for war, and what were the long-term geopolitical consequences?
Professor Hernandez: McKinley’s response to the sinking of the USS Maine is a captivating case study in presidential decision-making under pressure. Despite initial calls for restraint—a position that drew considerable criticism, including famously from theodore Roosevelt—the public outcry and pressure for retribution proved insurmountable. The explosion, while its true cause remains debated, ignited a firestorm of pro-war sentiment. McKinley’s ultimate decision to engage in the Spanish-American War marked a consequential turning point, propelling the United States onto the world stage as a major imperial power. The war’s outcome—acquisition of cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines—irrevocably altered the geopolitical landscape, ushering in an era of american expansionism and its attendant complexities. the war’s legacy continues to be debated today: Examining the acquisition of territories, its crucial to discuss the ethical implications and long-term consequences of imperialism.
Interviewer: The Philippine-American War, a consequence of US acquisition of the Philippines, is a particularly contentious aspect of McKinley’s legacy. How should we understand this conflict within the broader context of his presidency and its implications for American foreign policy?
Professor Hernandez: The Philippine-American War, tragically resulting in the deaths of countless Filipino civilians, casts a long shadow over McKinley’s presidency. This brutal conflict,often described as a “guerrilla war,” highlights the darker side of American expansionism. While McKinley framed the acquisition of the Philippines as a benevolent act of bringing “the American promise” to the islands, the ensuing war undeniably exposes the hypocrisy and devastating consequences of American interventionism. The conflict bears chilling parallels to later American military engagements and underscores the importance of critically evaluating the moral and ethical dimensions of foreign policy decisions.The high civilian death toll during this war remains a stark reminder of the human cost of imperial ambitions.
Interviewer: how should we assess McKinley’s overall legacy today, considering both the positive aspects of his presidency and its undeniable shortcomings?
Professor Hernandez: William McKinley’s legacy is multifaceted and complex. His advocacy for protective tariffs profoundly shaped American economic policy, while his leadership during the Spanish-American War propelled the United States into a new era of global power. However, this expansionist trajectory, highlighted by the devastating Philippine-American War, necessitates a critical examination of the moral costs of empire. Evaluating McKinley therefore requires a nuanced approach, acknowledging both his contributions and his failings. This balanced appraisal is essential for a deeper understanding of American history and its ongoing relevance to contemporary discussions on foreign policy, economic development and the complexities of power. His early life and military service during the Civil War likewise contributed to his presidential success.His unwavering belief in the power of American industry shaped his politics.
Interviewer: Professor Hernandez, thank you for shedding light on this crucial yet frequently enough-overlooked period in American history. This insightful discussion provides a richer understanding of william McKinley’s complex legacy.
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