[VIDEO] William McKinley – 25th President of the United States of America

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William McKinley
25th President – Term: 1897-1901

William McKinley – 25th President of the United States of America

Learn more about the 25th President of the United States, William McKinley. This video quickly covers his background, rise to the presidency, and little discussed facts about the Commander in Chief.

Transcription:

 William McKinley, a man of humble beginnings, was born in Niles, Ohio, and raised in a modest, middle-class family. His journey from these modest roots to the highest office is a testament to the American dream. His service in the Union Army during the Civil War ignited his passion for national service and politics. After the war, McKinley pursued a career in law and entered politics as a staunch Republican, driven by his belief in protective tariffs and economic nationalism.

McKinley’s presidency, a pivotal period in American history, is most remembered for his leadership during the Spanish-American War in 1898. This war marked the emergence of the U.S. as a global power with overseas colonies, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Domestically, his administration ushered in a significant era of economic prosperity, driven by his support of high protective tariffs and the gold standard, which played a crucial role in stabilizing the economy.

William McKinley, a President ahead of his time, was the first to ride in an automobile while in office, evidence to the era’s technological advances. His election campaign of 1896 was a pioneering effort, one of the first to extensively use the telephone. This innovative use of technology allowed him to reach a wider audience without extensive travel, setting a new standard for future presidential races.