William McKinley was born in Niles, Ohio, on January 29, 1843. He grew up in a large family of 9 children to two immigrant parents. His family lived a modest lifestyle, and McKinley worked various jobs during his youth to help his family out. McKinley began his political career after serving in the Civil War, eventually representing Ohio in the U.S. House of Representatives. Known for his strong support of protective tariffs, he gained prominence as a Republican leader.

In 1896, McKinley successfully ran for president, advocating for economic recovery and a return to the gold standard. A significant use of modern political techniques and mass media marked his campaign. He was inaugurated as the 25th President of the United States on March 4, 1897. McKinley’s administration focused on economic prosperity, the Spanish-American War, and expansionist policies, and he was the last president to serve in the Civil War. 

Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist, shot President William McKinley on September 6, 1901, and he died on September 14, 1901. McKinley was the 3rd president of the United States to be killed by assassination.  McKinley’s successor was Vice President Theodore Roosevelt, who assumed the presidency. McKinley’s leadership during this transformative era left a lasting impact on American history.