Welcome to Part Twenty-Three! It’s time for the president who the school in Glee is named after, one who loved his tariffs. Let’s dive into the administration of William McKinley:
First inauguration- 4th March 1897
William McKinley was sworn in on this day by Chief Justice Melville Fuller in front of the Old Senate Chamber at the US Capitol. It was the first inauguration to be caught on film, which can be seen here. The weather was clear and it was 40F/4C at midday. His inaugural speech clocked in at nearly four-thousand words and emphasised unity: ‘If such power is vested in the President, it is my purpose to appoint a commission of prominent, well-informed citizens of different parties, who will command public confidence, both on account of their ability and special fitness for the work.’ A grand inaugural ball was held at the Pension Building, and was also captured on film.
Signs the Dingley Tariff Act- 24th July 1897
McKinley signed the Dingley Tariff Act on this day. The act raised tariffs and customs duties by an average of 49%, in line with the protectionist ideals of the McKinley administration. It remained in effect for twelve years- the longest of any tariff in the USA.
The USS Maine explodes- 15th February 1898
The Navy ship USS Maine exploded on this day. She was docked in Havana Bay when an explosion rocked the ship. Two hundred and sixty-six of the men on board were killed, leaving ninety-four survivors. The press, public and politicians became engrossed in the story, helped by heavy newspaper coverage. Little did they know, the explosion would lead to war.
Inquiry states that the USS Maine was blown up by a submarine- 22nd March 1898
An inquiry by the Navy concluded that ‘the ship was destroyed by the explosion of a submarine mine, which caused the partial explosion of two or more of her forward magazines.’ This contrasted greatly with the findings of Spanish authorities on that same day, who said that the sinking was caused by an onboard explosion.
Teller Amendment signed- 20th April 1898
McKinley signed a joint resolution called The Teller Amendment on this day. The amendment saw America recognise Cuba’s independence, demand Spain leave the island, threaten to use force to do so and promise not to annex the country. Spain was furious, and broke off diplomatic relations with America the very next day.
Spain declares war on the US- 23rd April 1898
Following a proclamation by McKinley calling for army volunteers, Spain officially declared war on the United States. The proclamation was made in the name of the young king Alfonso XIII (a boy of twelve) and by his mother, the Queen Regent Maria Cristina.
US declares war on Spain- 25th April 1898
The United States retaliated in kind by declaring war on Spain on this day. The declaration was shorter than the Spanish version.
Battle of Manila Bay- 1st May 1898
One of the first major engagements of the war, The Battle of Manila Bay, happened on this day. Commodore George Dewey led his men against the Spanish forces, commanded by Rear Admiral Patricio Montojo y Pasarón. Despite desperate attempts by the Spanish to hold the line, the Americans had superior weaponry and ships, and sank ten vessels. Meanwhile, they only lost one man to illness, compared to seventy-seven Spaniards. Two Spanish ships were scuttled to prevent the Americans from getting them. This was a major victory for the Americans and a major disaster for the Spanish.
Signs the War Revenue Act- 13th June 1898
McKinley signed the War Revenue Act of 1898 on this day. The act hiked up a variety of taxes to pay for the war, and acted as a precursor to modern day estate taxation.
Spanish Guam surrenders- 21st June 1898
Spanish Guam surrendered to the Americans on this day. The Spanish forces on the island did not know that there was even a war on when the USS Charleston sailed into harbour. The Governor of the islands, Juan Marina, simply surrendered upon their approach.
Battle of San Juan Hill- 1st July 1898
The Battle of San Juan Hill happened on this day. American forces engaged Spanish forces at fortified positions near the city of Santiago de Cuba. The Americans, led by Generals William Shafter and Joseph Wheeler, massively outnumbered the Spanish. They easily defeated the Spanish, who suffered a high percentage of casualties related to their numbers. The battle is perhaps most famous for the charge by the so-called ‘Rough Riders,’ and their leader, a certain man you may have heard of by the name of Theodore Roosevelt. His success catapulted Roosevelt into the governorship of New York, and helped American efforts overall.
Invades Spanish Puerto Rico- 25th July 1898
American forces invaded Spanish Puerto Rico by land on this day. Puerto Rico would prove to be a tricky land, with lots of resistance, but the Americans won when the armistice was signed and the guns fell silent.
Armistice with Spain proclaimed- 12th August 1898
An armistice with Spain was proclaimed by McKinley on this day. It was a huge victory for the USA, as Spain immediately ceded Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as recognising Cuban independence, with ownership of the Philippines still on the table. The war was over, and Americans could celebrate a successful war.
Treaty of Paris is signed- 10th December 1898
The Treaty of Paris was signed on this day by both American and Spanish Dignitaries. Spain’s reign in the Caribbean and Pacific ended when they ceded Guam, Puerto Rico and the Philippines over to America, as well as accepting Cuban independence. They did, however, get $20M ($77M today) for the Philippines. Guam and Puerto Rico remain American territories to this day. Cuba was a territory until 1902, and the Philippines gained independence in 1946. The Treaty of Paris would be proclaimed on the 11th April 1899.
US takes control of Cuba- 1st January 1899
Per the terms of the Treaty of Paris, the Americans took control of Cuba on this day. McKinley had previously wanted to buy Cuba for $300M, but ended up getting it for free. As stated above, Cuba remained in American hands until 1902, and the relationship between the two nations had been up and down since.
Open Door Policy proclaimed- 6th July 1899
The Open Door Policy was proclaimed on this day. The policy aimed at opening relations with China, a country that was moving worryingly close to Europe for America’s liking. They pushed for Chinese independence against foreign intervention as well as equal trading and other things. Relations with China would not fully open for some time, after all, only Nixon could go to China.
Death of Garret Hobart- 21st November 1899
Garret Hobart became the sixth Vice President to die in office on this day. Hobart had been ill with heart problems for some time and had essentially given up his role in all but name. He was in New Jersey when he died, and was fifty-five at the time. Hobart’s death was devastating for McKinley. Not only had Hobart been a competent and helpful VP, but he was also a close advisor and dear friend. McKinley and the nation mourned a popular and well-respected figure. As the 25th Amendment was not yet in existence, he did not need to get a new VP just yet.
Signs the Gold Standard Act- 14th March 1900
McKinley signed the Gold Standard Act on this day. It ensured that the US monetary policy was shaped by the gold standard. One can only imagine William Jennings Bryan’s reaction when he heard the news.
Hawaii becomes a US Territory- 30th April 1900
Hawaii officially became a US territory on this day following the signing of the Hawaii Organic Act. They were permitted to retain self-government. For nearly sixty years, Hawaii would remain a territory, until they became the last US state (so far).
US troops enter Peking- 10th June 1900
US troops entered Peking (Beijing) on this day. Part of a multinational force, the Americans entered the city from a certain point in response to the Boxer Rebellion. The Boxer Rebellion was an anti-Christian, anti-foreign uprising that saw Christian missionaries and others murdered. America was joined by Austria-Hungary, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Russia. The multinational force managed to quell the rebellion, which forced the Empress Dowager Cixi to flee. The Qing Dynasty was severely weakened by the events, and struggled until the fall of the Chinese monarchy in 1911.
Theodore Roosevelt becomes VP nominee- 19th June 1900
Theodore Roosevelt became the Republican vice-presidential nominee on this day. After Hobart’s death, there was a need for a new ticket mate for the upcoming 1900 election. Theodore Roosevelt seemed to fit the bill. He enjoyed enormous popularity following the Battle of San Juan Hill but more importantly, the role of vice president would clip his enormous wings. McKinley’s close advisor Mark Hanna cried ‘don’t any of you realise that there’s only one life between the madman [Roosevelt] and the presidency?’ Despite Hanna’s almost prophetic objection, Roosevelt agreed to run if asked, but would otherwise prefer to stay as governor. He was asked, and the rest is history.
Reelected- 6th November 1900
William McKinley was reelected in a landslide on this day. A variety of factors, including his popularity, a strong economy and Theodore Roosevelt’s energetic campaigning, saw him beat William Jennings Bryan in a rematch of the 1896 election.
Second inauguration- 4th March 1901
McKinley was inaugurated for a second time on this day. He was sworn in on the East Portico of the US Capitol this time, and by Chief Justice Melville Fuller again. The weather was overcast, raining throughout the ceremony and for several hours more, and was 44F/6C at midday. McKinley’s inaugural speech was sunny and optimistic: ‘Strong hearts and helpful hands are needed, and, fortunately, we have them in every part of our beloved country. We are reunited. Sectionalism has disappeared. Division on public questions can no longer be traced by the war maps of 1861.’ The inaugural ball was held at the Pension Building again, and was a grand event.
Shot by Leon Czolgosz- 6th September 1901
On a warm day, McKinley entered a building at the well-attended Pan-American Exposition. As it was very hot, crowd members were allowed to have a handkerchief in one hand to dab the sweat. This was against usual protocol, as the Secret Service usually wanted both hands to be open. McKinley hated having security around, as he believed it interfered with meeting people. Moments before the shooting, he gave his lucky pin to a young girl. He then shook hands with a man named Leon Czolgosz. Czolgosz produced a revolver and struck McKinley twice in the abdomen. A brave bystander named James Parker pushed Czolgosz down, preventing a third shot. Men in the crowd and security began attacking Czolgosz, but McKinley begged them to stop. He then asked that his delicate wife Ida be told gently.
Dies- 14th September 1901
William McKinley died on the 14th September 1901, aged fifty-eight. He had endured a strenuous eight days. The hospital he was taken to had no surgeons, and the operation was performed in poor lighting with dismal equipment. McKinley seemed in good spirits afterward and there was every indication that he would live, so much so that Theodore Roosevelt headed back to his vacation. Unfortunately, McKinley took a turn for the worse on the 13th. Roosevelt was summoned. McKinley was calm and collected as he lay dying, comforting a devastated Ida. He died at 2:15 that morning of gangrene. His last words were ‘Goodbye, all, goodbye. It is God’s way. His will be done.’
Theodore Roosevelt was greeted by a telegram confirming the news at a nearby train station. The nation immediately mourned, not least Ida McKinley, who had lost both of her daughters and her husband. McKinley’s funeral saw hundreds of thousands turn out to mourn before he was buried in Canton, Ohio. His wife Ida joined him six years later. McKinley is often left in the shadows of his successor Roosevelt, but is rated above average by historians and the public. He is likely one of the most honest and genuine people to hold office, but his imperialism remains controversial.
That’s it for William McKinley. Tune in next time for Theodore Roosevelt, in which we’ll see him deal with Panama, Russo-Japanese War and a Nobel Peace Prize.
