The presidency of McKinley and Roosevelt progressive aims. Flashcards
When was Republican conservatism riding high?
At McKinley’s inauguration in March 1897. The Republicans held the presidency and had large majorities in both the House and the Senate.
What was significant about this Republican presidency?
For the first time ever, they had won the presidency without needing the black vote in the south.
Describe the situation with the Democrats.
They were still weakened by internal divisions; Populism was a fading force.
Describe the situation with the economy.
The economy was entering a period of exceptional growth. McKinley filled his administration with wealthy men and set out business-friendly policies, doing nothing to prevent the consolidation of business into ever-large corporations.
How did McKinley please his conservative backers?
By maintaining the protective tariff. The Dingley Tariff Act of 1897 pushed tariff rates to even higher levels.
What was McKinley a strong believer in?
The gold standard. This policy was strengthened by the Alaska-Yukon Gold Rush of 1897-99, which increased the amount of gold in circulation.
What did McKinley introduce in 1900?
The Currency Act, committing the US to maintain the gold standard.
What were the potential problems caused by these policies lessened by?
The general prosperity of the time, including rising farm prices.
What was McKinley’s political position strengthened by?
The Spanish-American War. McKinley himself was not too keen on expansionism but a lot of Republicans were. McKinley was happy to bask in the glow of military and naval successes in Cuba and the Pacific.
Who did McKinley adopt as vice president for his re-election?
A hero of the war, Theodore Roosevelt. They were not a harmonious team - significant differences in age personality and political beliefs.
Despite the differences between McKinley and Roosevelt, what were the positives?
They were a strong electoral team, and they cruised to a comfortable victory over WJ Bryan.
When did McKinley die?
14th september, 8 days after the shooting.
Why were some supporters of McKinley hostile to Roosevelt?
He was younger, more radical, and more ready to take an interventionist approach than those in McKinley’s political circle.
What did Mark Hanna plan to do when Roosevelt became president?
He planned to challenge Roosevelt for the Republican nomination in 1904 but he died before the campaign could begin.
Why was some of this hostility towards Roosevelt personal?
He was a bombastic personality; prone to self-advertisement; he would never be as easy for party leaders to handle as McKinley had been. Also intensely political due to his sympathy with Progressivism.
