January 29
William McKinley Born in Niles, Ohio
Summary
William McKinley was born on January 29, 1843, in Niles, Ohio. He enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War, beginning as a private and finishing his service as a brevet major. After the war, McKinley became a lawyer and entered Republican politics, serving for many years in the U.S. House of Representatives and later as governor of Ohio. He won the presidency in 1896 and served as the twenty-fifth president from 1897 until his death in 1901. His administration presided over economic recovery, enacted protective tariff legislation, and fought the Spanish-American War in 1898. The conflict resulted in U.S. control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, while Hawaii was also annexed during his presidency. These developments greatly expanded American power overseas and generated intense debate over imperialism. McKinley was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz in Buffalo, New York, on September 6, 1901, and died eight days later.
Why It Matters
McKinley's presidency marked a major expansion of U.S. economic, military, and overseas power at the turn of the twentieth century. The Spanish-American War and acquisition of former Spanish territories placed the United States more deeply into Caribbean and Pacific affairs and triggered debate over colonial rule. His assassination also elevated Theodore Roosevelt to the presidency, accelerating political changes associated with the Progressive Era.
Related Sites
- Assassination Attempts: A related profile examining the 1901 assassination of William McKinley.
- America 250 Atlas: A presidential profile placing William McKinley within United States history.
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Sources
- William McKinley, National Park Service. Accessed 2026-08-25.
- William McKinley: Life Before the Presidency, Miller Center, University of Virginia. Accessed 2026-08-25.