McKinley, William (1843–1901)

25th president of the USA 1897–1901, a Republican. His term as president was marked by the USA's adoption of an imperialist foreign policy, as exemplified by the Spanish-American War in 1898 and the annexation of the Philippines. He sat in Congress 1876–91, apart from one term.

Throughout his political life, McKinley was a trusted friend of business interests, supporting high tariffs for fledgling US industries. He sat in the House of Representatives 1877–83 and 1885–91, and was governor of Ohio 1892–96. As president he presided over a period of prosperity and was drawn into foreign conflicts largely against his will. He annexed the Philippine Islands and implemented the open-door policy with China.

He was assassinated by an anarchist, Leon Czolgosz, in Buffalo, New York State, and was succeeded by his vice-president Theodore Roosevelt.

McKinley was born in Niles, Ohio, and became a lawyer. In 1889 he was Republican leader in the House of Representatives and chair of the Committee of Ways and Means; as such he introduced the McKinley Tariff, which raised the tariff by an average of 50%.