103 William McKinley Facts: 25th President You Should Read About

William McKinley, born on January 29, 1843, served the United States as the 25th US President.

During his presidential years, Mckinley played an instrumental role in the Spanish-American war, leading America to its victory. William McKinley was also the last US president to have served in the American civil war.

Before marking his political legacy, McKinley practiced law; only after 1876 did he join congress, he became a resourceful person in the republican party.

William McKinley Jr. was born and brought up in Niles, Ohio. His father was William McKinley, belonging to Scottish and Irish descent and his mother's name was Nancy.

William McKinley believed that raising protective tariffs would boost the American economy, and he was the advocate of what is termed as 'sound money.' William McKinley's presidential term has been considered as being 'above average.'

Mckinley was also a pioneer in passing the gold standard act of the United States in the year 1900. The bill was passed as law when William McKinley signed it.

While he was in the midst of his second presidential term in the year, he was shot at a point-blank distance by an American steelworker and self-proclaimed anarchist, Leon Czolgosz, on September 14, 1901. The assassination occurred in the Temple of Music, Buffalo, six months into his second term.

The legacy William Mckinley left behind was that of aspirational capitalist America, which Mckinley dreamt of one day witnessing its rise.

After reading about the tenure of William McKinley as the President, also check William Gilbert facts and William H Harrison facts. 

Fun Facts About William McKinley

Although McKinley's birth on January 29, 1843, was in Niles, Ohio, he only lived for ten years. His family then moved to a nearby town called Poland. Completing his schooling in Poland seminary school, McKinley went to Albany law school to get a law degree.

William McKinley was 27 years old when McKinley married Ida Saxton. The wedding took place at the first presbyterian church in canton on January 25, 1971.

During the republic convention of 1986, McKinley was nominated by a Cleveland businessman Marcus Hanna for 'the advance agent of prosperity.' William McKinley is best known for guiding America to victory in the Spanish-American war.

William McKinley was a well-read man with great intelligence, and his exemplary character also paved the way for his efficient rising among the ranks of congress. He served 14 years in the house, and then he was elected as governor of Ohio, leading McKinley in the running for the presidential elections.

However, before making his career in law and politics, he served in the army in the Ohio regiment. He was under the command of Rutherford B. Hayes.

As a child, Mckinley loved outdoor activities like fishing, swimming, and riding horses!

During the great panic of 1857, the Mckinley family lost everything they had, and William Mckinley himself had to work as a part-time teacher at the local school!

During his career as a lawyer, William McKinley helped a bunch of coal miners from going to prison!

William McKinley was responsible for the annexation of the Republic of Hawaii!

Did you know? Mckinley is one of the four presidents to be assassinated while serving their term!

Although the couple had two daughters, they didn't survive past childhood!

During the time of his presidency, most of McKinley's evenings were spent playing cards with his wife, Ida!

Historical Facts About William McKinley

During his congressional years, McKinley became intensely identified with the protective issue. Mckinley's genuine concern was for the well-being of the American middle-class workers, so this protective tariff was a part of his plan to achieve a high tax which played a vital role in guaranteeing high wages.

As the name suggests, a protective tariff is a high tariff on imported goods to protect American manufacturers from overseas competition. Although most of McKinley's plan came to fruition, William McKinley later came under the influence of commercial reciprocity.

Hence during 1890, McKinley's career saw a considerable drop, but with the help of numerous wealthy industrialists, he rose to power serving as governor of Ohio for continuous two terms.

William McKinley was only 18 years old when he joined the union army!

William McKinley was a lawyer before turning his attention towards politics!

The popularity of McKinley increased during the Spanish-American war, where the US gained a quick hand victory. The war only lasted for a few months; the US destroyed the Spanish navy without any trouble!

During his time in the army, his post as a major turned into a loving nickname his friends called him many years after the war!

William McKinley's career in congress spanned over 14 years, and he became notable for his views on 'economic protectionism'!

Mckenly taught in a local school where he earned $25 per month!

William McKinley could remember names and faces even after meeting someone for a very brief moment!

Did you know? Mckinley was the President of the YMCA in 1868!

After the assassination of William McKinley, Ohio state made scarlet carnations, his favorite flower as the official state flower!

Facts About William McKinley's Presidency

William McKinley's presidency was distinct in marking the rapid economic growth in America. During his presidency, McKinley promoted the Dingley tariff in 1897 to defend the factory laborers and local manufacturers from foreign competition.

His role as a president was also pivotal in establishing the Gold Standard Act, which was passed in the year 1900.

However, in the aftermath of his assassination in 1901, Theodore Roosevelt succeeded in becoming the President. Various reports suggest that Theodore Roosevelt had his eyes on the presidency since 1898, and the assassination of William Mckinley proved to be at the political advantage of Theodore Roosevelt.

In 1896, McKinley had a victory for the Republican nomination!

William Mckinley won the popular vote by 600,000 votes. The victory was the largest ever witnessed in 25 years!

During his presidency, McKinley was most prominently known for foreign affairs!

Mckinley was also known to have established an Open Door policy that supported the United States' interest in china!

Theodore Roosevelt was made vice president by William McKinley when the previous vice president passed away!

During his tour in Buffalo, New York, after his victory as the President, serving the second term, he was assassinated there!

Facts About William Mckinley's Education

William McKinley completed his schooling at Poland Seminary School in the year 1859. After the following year, McKinley was admitted to the Allegheny College located in Meadville, Pennsylvania. After remaining in Allegheny college for one year, he returned home after suffering from fever and becoming depressed.

After recovering, though he did not decide to return to college, McKinley started working as a postal clerk and eventually took a job as a teacher at a local school.

Mckinley also developed an interest in law and attended Albany Law School, which rendered him a legal practitioner of law.

William Mckinley was the 25th President of the United States. The 25th President of the United States, McKinley, married Ida Saxton.

McKinley, a Republican, was the final President to serve in the American Civil War. He was the only one who began as an enlisted soldier and rose through the ranks to become a brevet major.

After the war, he settled in Canton, Ohio, where he studied law and married Ida Saxton. McKinley won in 1896 as a realigning election, in which the post-Civil War political impasse gave way to the Republican-dominated Fourth Party System, which began with the Progressive Era.

After a front porch campaign in which he advocated 'sound money' and promised that high tariffs would restore prosperity, he defeated his opponent Democrat William Jennings Bryan. The silverites won control of the Democratic National Convention in 1896, electing William Jennings Bryan as President; his Cross of Gold address had electrified the delegates.

African-origin officers were office holders of President Mckinley.

He even helped the union army win. Garret Hobart was the vice president. McKinley enlisted many laws against slavery and even joined the Spanish forces.

He was the 25th person to step into the White House as the President in American history. He was Ohio's governor before he became the President.

In 1891 and 1893, he was elected governor of Ohio, driving a moderate course between the capital and labor interests of American workers. He was the first president who was a local banker but chose a political career later.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created many interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 103 William Mckinley Facts: 25th President You Should Read About, then why not take a look at 26th President of the USA or Barack Obama facts?