William McKinley

William McKinley was born in Niles, Ohio on January 29, 1843. He briefly attended Allegheny College and later became a teacher before joining the Union Army during the Civil War.

At the start of the Civil War, McKinley enlisted in the Union Army at the age of 18 and was later discharged as a brevet major in 1865.

On January 25, 1871, William McKinley married Ida Saxton. They had two daughters, Katherine and Ida.

In 1876, William McKinley won a seat in Congress. His intelligence, attractive personality, and exemplary character made him a dependable party regular.

In 1877, at the age of 34, William McKinley won a seat in Congress. His remarkable personality, outstanding character, and sharp intellect allowed him to progress swiftly. He was later appointed to the influential Ways and Means Committee.

As chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, McKinley sponsored the McKinley Tariff of 1890, which raised duties higher than they had been at any previous time, reflecting his support for protective tariffs to protect American manufacturers.

William McKinley was nominated at the Republican National Convention in St. Louis, Missouri on June 18, 1896, following the convention that began on June 16, 1896.

William McKinley's presidency is considered to be the period when America started its journey towards becoming a world power. It is also seen as the era that laid the foundation for America's current world leadership.

William McKinley was inaugurated as the 25th President of the United States on March 4, 1897.

President McKinley calls Congress into a special session for the purpose of revising the tariff laws.

President McKinley delivers his first annual message to Congress.

The New York Journal publishes a letter insulting President McKinley, written by Spanish minister to the United States Se–or Don Enrique Dupuy de Lôme.

At President McKinley's request, Congress approves a $50 million allocation for national defense.

President McKinley submitted propositions to the Spanish government for an armistice until October 1 to negotiate peace with the good offices of the President. He also requested the immediate revocation of the order of reconcentration to allow people to return to their farms and the needy to be relieved with provisions and supplies from the United States.

President William McKinley signed a bill on July 7, 1898, that annexed the Hawaiian Islands, making them part of the United States. This event marked the end of almost a decade of uncertainty about the status of the Hawaiian Islands and was a result of American military victories in the Pacific during the Spanish-American War.

Secretary of War Russell A. Alger resigns, effective August 1, after the Dodge Commission criticizes the War Department's handling of the war. Elihu Root replaces Alger.

Secretary of State John Hay issues the Open Door notes to Britain, France, Russia, and Japan, calling for broad, multi-lateral access to Chinese markets across foreign spheres of influence as well as for the preservation of the territorial sovereignty of the Chinese Empire.

President McKinley met with representatives of the Women's Christian Temperance Union who expressed their concerns about army Canteens selling alcoholic beverages. This meeting eventually led to the prohibition of canteens by law in 1901.

President McKinley signs the Gold Standard Act, fixing the standard of value for all money issued or coined by the United States. It is a victory for the 'goldbugs' from the Northeast and urban Midwest, stabilizing industrial investment, and a defeat for the free silver forces from the South and West.

The Gold Standard Act is signed, establishing gold as the primary standard for redeeming paper money.

President William McKinley appoints the Second Philippine Commission, with future president William Howard Taft as its chair, to establish a civil government for the archipelago.

The Hawaii Organic Act (31 Stat 141) is signed, leading to the organization of the Hawai'i islands into the Territory of Hawai'i.

US troops, along with troops from European powers, enter Peking to quell the Boxer Rebellion, an uprising where Chinese nationalists had massacred foreigners. This intervention poses a threat to Secretary Hay's 'Open Door Policy' policy.

The Republican National Convention re-nominates William McKinley for the presidency, with Theodore Roosevelt nominated for vice president, setting the stage for the upcoming presidential election.

President McKinley formally accepts the Republican presidential nomination in a speech at Canton, Ohio, reminding voters of previous prosperity and promising more of the same.

President McKinley is reelected for a second term after a campaign focused on previous prosperity and promises for the future.

The first Hay-Pauncefote Treaty was signed in Washington DC, revising the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty of 1850 and approving a jointly occupied neutral isthmian canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. The treaty was a major interest of President McKinley and was referred to the Senate immediately after signing. Disagreement over whether the canal could be fortified delayed ratification until the end of 1900.

William McKinley signs the Platt Amendment, granting the U.S. significant control over Cuba's domestic and foreign affairs, as part of the Army Appropriation Act of 1901.

William McKinley is inaugurated as President for a second term, with Theodore Roosevelt sworn in as vice president. McKinley calls for an end to the Filipino rebellion and the establishment of a government of liberty under law.

The rebellion in the Philippines officially concludes with a proclamation, although sporadic fighting persists for another year until American military forces fully secure the islands.

President McKinley announces that he will not seek a third term in office.

On September 5, 1901, McKinley was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz in Buffalo, New York, leading to his tragic death later in the month.

On September 6, 1901, while shaking hands with a crowd of well-wishers at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, President McKinley was shot by an anarchist named Leon Czolgosz. He succumbed to his injuries and passed away on September 14, 1901.

The daring attempt to assassinate President McKinley took place on September 7, 1901, as reported in The San Francisco Call. The scene was drawn from a description by telegraph.

William McKinley dies in Buffalo, New York after developing multi-organ gangrene.

President William McKinley was assassinated on September 14, 1901.

McKinley dies of complications from his bullet wounds, and Vice President Theodore Roosevelt assumes the presidency.

William McKinley's state funeral takes place at the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

A funeral train carrying McKinley’s casket travels from Buffalo to the Capitol in Washington, DC, and finally to Ohio, where McKinley is buried.

Leon Czolgosz, the assailant of President McKinley, is executed after being found guilty and sentenced to death.

The McKinley National Memorial is the final resting place for the 25th President of the United States, William McKinley. It is a landmark in the City of Canton and a significant part of the local history.