William McKinley

Profession: 25th US President

Nationality:

Political Party: Republican
Political Titles: Governor of Ohio

Presidential Term: March 4, 1897 - September 14, 1901
Preceded By: Grover Cleveland
Succeeded By: Theodore Roosevelt

Biography: McKinley previously served as the Governor of Ohio before becoming the 25th President of the United States. He served as president from March 4, 1897, until his assassination in September 1901, six months into his second term.

McKinley won the presidency during a time of deep economic depression, and rapid economic recovery was the hallmark of his term. McKinley supported tariffs, such as the Dingley Tariff in 1897, which helped protect manufacturers from foreign competition. He also maintained the nation on the gold standard in a rejection of inflationary proposals.

In foreign affairs he led the nation in the Spanish–American War, which ended in a decisive American victory and gained the nation control of the Spanish colonies of Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines. In 1898 the US annexed the Kingdom of Hawaii and it became a US territory.

In 1900 McKinley won re-election. Six months into his term, on September 6, 1901, he was shot by Leon Czolgosz, a Polish-American anarchist. He died eight days later and was succeeded by Theodore Roosevelt.

Born: January 29, 1843
Birthplace: Niles, Ohio, USA
Star Sign: Aquarius

Died: September 14, 1901 (aged 58)
Cause of Death: Assassination