William McKinley: the story on HearLore

Lawyer And Politician

After the Civil War ended in 1865 McKinley decided on a career in law and began studying in Poland Ohio. He attended Albany Law School for less than a year before returning home. In March 1867 he was admitted to the bar in Warren Ohio. That same year he moved to Canton Stark County Ohio and set up a small office. He formed a partnership with George W. Belden an experienced lawyer and former judge. His practice became successful enough for him to buy a block of buildings on Main Street providing rental income for decades. When Rutherford B. Hayes was nominated for governor in 1867 McKinley made speeches on his behalf in Stark County. In 1869 he ran for prosecuting attorney of Stark County and won unexpectedly. He lost re-election in 1871 by 143 votes against William A. Lynch. McKinley wooed Ida Saxton daughter of a prominent Canton family and married her on the 25th of January 1871. Their first child Katherine was born on Christmas Day 1871. A second daughter named Ida followed in 1873 but died that same year. Two years later Katherine died of typhoid fever. Ida developed epilepsy and depended strongly on her husband's presence. He remained devoted to her medical and emotional needs for the rest of his life. Ida insisted he continue his career in law and politics. He attended the state Republican convention nominating Hayes for a third term in 1875. The next year McKinley undertook a high-profile case defending striking coal miners arrested after a clash with strikebreakers. Lynch and his partner William R. Day were opposing counsel while mine owners included Mark Hanna a Cleveland businessman. Taking the case pro bono McKinley got all but one miner acquitted. The case raised his standing among laborers and introduced him to Hanna who became his strongest backer. By August 1876 McKinley was nominated for Congress representing Ohio's 17th district. He defeated Democratic nominee Levi L. Lamborn by 3,300 votes. His income as congressman would be half what he earned as a lawyer.

War And Expansion

For decades rebels in Cuba waged intermittent campaign for freedom from Spanish colonial rule. By 1895 conflict expanded to war for Cuban independence. American public opinion favored rebels and McKinley shared outrage against Spanish policies. In January 1898 Spain promised concessions to rebels when American consul Fitzhugh Lee reported riots in Havana. McKinley agreed to send battleship USS Maine which exploded and sank February 15 killing 266 men. Public attention focused on crisis and consensus held Spain lost control over Cuba regardless of who set bomb. McKinley insisted court of inquiry determine if explosion was accidental. Court ruled March 20 that mine blew up ship. On April 11 McKinley turned matter over to Congress which declared war April 20 adding Teller Amendment disavowing annexation intent. Within fortnight navy won first victory when Commodore George Dewey destroyed Spanish fleet at Battle of Manila Bay Philippines. Next month McKinley increased troops sent to Philippines granting Major General Wesley Merritt power to set legal systems and raise taxes. By end of June 1898 McKinley decided Spain must surrender archipelago to United States. Army led by Major General William Rufus Shafter landed near Santiago de Cuba June 22 engaging Spanish forces July 2 at San Juan Hill. Spain's Caribbean squadron broke for open sea next day and destroyed by North Atlantic Squadron largest naval battle of war. Shafter laid siege city surrendered July 17 placing Cuba under effective American control. McKinley also ordered invasion Puerto Rico meeting little resistance landing in July. Peace negotiations began Paris September 1898 continuing until December 18 when Treaty of Paris signed. United States acquired Puerto Rico Philippines island Guam while Spain relinquished claims to Cuba. In exchange United States agreed pay Spain $20 million. Senate voted the 6th of February 1899 approving treaty 57 to 27. During war McKinley pursued annexation Republic Hawaii overthrowing Queen 1893. He lobbied Congress signing Newlands Resolution into law the 8th of July 1898. McKinley told Cortelyou "We need Hawaii just as much and good deal more than we did California." Later administration partitioned Samoan Islands with Britain Germany Tripartite Convention acquiring what now is American Samoa.

Second Term And Death

McKinley's popularity first term assured renomination second. Only question Republican ticket concerned vice presidential nomination as Hobart died late 1899. McKinley initially favored Elihu Root succeeding Alger Secretary War but decided Root doing too good job moving him. He considered other candidates including Allison and Cornelius Newton Bliss none popular as rising star Theodore Roosevelt. After stint Assistant Navy Roosevelt resigned raising cavalry regiment fought bravely Cuba returned home covered glory. Elected governor New York reform platform 1898 Roosevelt eye presidency. Many supporters recommended him McKinley Hanna firmly opposed New York governor. Ohio senator considered New Yorker overly impulsive stance undermined efforts political boss Thomas C. Platt seeking sideline governor making him vice president. When convention began Philadelphia June no candidate overwhelming support Roosevelt broadest range support country. McKinley affirmed choice belonged convention not him. On June 21 McKinley unanimously renominated with Hanna reluctant acquiescence Roosevelt nominated vice president first ballot. Democratic convention convened next month Kansas City nominating William Jennings Bryan setting rematch 1896 contest. Issues shifted free silver still animated voters Republicans focused victory war prosperity home. Democrats knew war popular even imperialism less sure so focused trusts corporate power painting McKinley servant capital big business. As in 1896 Bryan embarked speaking tour while McKinley stayed home making only one speech accept nomination. Roosevelt emerged campaign primary speaker Hanna helped cause settling coal miners strike Pennsylvania. Bryan campaigning failed excite voters 1896 McKinley never doubted re-election. the 6th of November 1900 proven correct winning largest Republican victory since 1872. Bryan carried four states solid outside South. Second term ended early when shot the 6th of September 1901 by anarchist Leon Czolgosz. McKinley died eight days later succeeded Vice President Theodore Roosevelt whose popularity overshadowed legacy.

Common questions

When was William McKinley born and what were his early military experiences?

William McKinley Jr. joined the Poland Guards in June 1861 as a young volunteer from Ohio during the Civil War. He served in the 23rd Ohio Infantry under Colonel Eliakim P. Scammon and fought at battles including Carnifex Ferry, Antietam, and Cloyd's Mountain before earning a brevet commission as major.

How did William McKinley build his legal career and political influence after the war?

William McKinley studied law in Poland Ohio and Albany Law School before being admitted to the bar in March 1867. He established a successful practice in Canton Stark County Ohio with partner George W. Belden and won election as prosecuting attorney of Stark County in 1869.

What economic policies did William McKinley implement as president starting in 1897?

William McKinley signed the Dingley Act into law on the 24th of July 1897 which raised tariffs on wool sugar and luxury goods. He later signed the Gold Standard Act on the 14th of March 1900 using a gold pen to formally affirm the gold standard for United States currency.

When did the Spanish American War begin and what territories did the United States acquire from Spain?

The Spanish American War began after the USS Maine exploded on the 15th of February 1898 and Congress declared war on the 20th of April 1898. The Treaty of Paris signed on the 18th of December 1898 resulted in the United States acquiring Puerto Rico Philippines island Guam while Spain relinquished claims to Cuba.

How did William McKinley respond to racial violence during his presidency between 1897 and 1901?

William McKinley issued no statement condemnation when black postmasters were assaulted in Hogansville Georgia in 1897 and Lake City South Carolina in 1898. He refused requests to send federal marshals or troops to protect citizens following the Wilmington insurrection on the 10th of November 1898 despite pressure from black leaders.

William McKinley.