William McKinley's Presidency

Question 1

Republican Conservatism Under McKinley

Answer 1

• At the time of McKinley’s inauguration, Republicans held both presidency and congress with large majorities
• Had majority in House of Representatives and House of Senate
• Republicans had won presidency for the first time without needing the black vote in the South
• Democrats weakened by internal divisions
• McKinley filled his administration with wealthy men and followed business friendly policies

Question 2

McKinley’s Choice of Theodore Roosevelt as Vice-President

Answer 2

• McKinley’s political position was strengthened by the 1898 Spanish-American War
• For his re-election campaign in 1900, he adopted a hero of the war, Theodore Roosevelt
• Both were not a harmonious team
• Significant differences between them in age, personality and political beliefs
• They were a strong electoral team, had a comfortable victory over William Jennings Bryan

Question 3

McKinley’s Assassination

Answer 3

• McKinley seemed to be destined for a smooth and successful second term
• Assassinated within 6 months
• September 1901: arrived in Buffalo, NYC to attend the Pan-American Exposition, celebration of American prosperity
• September 6th 1901: visiting Temple of Music, shot in the stomach by a young anarchist, Leon Czolgosz (Polish-German)
• President’s life not thought to be in danger however complications came from the bullet lodged in his body
• Died September 14th 1901, 8 days after the shooting
• Teddy Roosevelt, youngest president at 42