William McKinley

William McKinley helped make the United States a world power. William McKinley was the 25th President of the United States from 1897 to 1901. In this minute, we’ll focus on the most important thing about him: how his presidency changed America's role in the world.

The big moment came in 1898 with the Spanish-American War. The United States won, and under McKinley it gained territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. His administration also oversaw the annexation of Hawaii. These events sent American ships, soldiers, and trade far from the North American coast.

At home, McKinley supported high tariffs to protect American factories and signed the Gold Standard Act in 1900 to keep money stable. Together these choices encouraged business growth and made it easier for the United States to trade and compete with other nations.

Tragically, McKinley was shot at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, in 1901 and died days later. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt became president. Because of McKinley’s choices, the nation began to act more on the world stage — a turning point that shaped the century to come.