McKinley was a successful president. He was conservative. But he understood the populist tide sweeping the country. Rather than buck the trend, he opted to manage it. He usually bowed to the prevailing public consensus. He worked well with Congress, and he protected the national interests. McKinley was the first "image-conscious" president. He used the new photographic technology to enhance his appeal to voters. When he was assassinated, McKinley was an extremely popular president.
Government Leadership
McKinley was a good, if cautious, executive. He formed an able cabinet. His self-discipline and integrity were contagious. He ran a clean and efficient administration.
Political Leadership
McKinley was a Republican. He was an excellent political leader. He strengthened his party. Of the seven presidents who followed him, only two were Democrats.
The Economy, Taxes, Regulation, and International Trade
McKinley's economic policies succeeded. He was blessed with good luck. He favored gold-backed, "sound" money. Just as public pressure for cheaper silver money mounted, huge foreign gold reserves were discovered. McKinley's "sound-money" policy prevailed with little political cost. Congress overrode his low import duty policy. But it hardly mattered. The economy continued to grow.
Foreign Affairs
McKinley was prudent and successful in foreign affairs. He was not especially captivated by European imperialism. McKinley did not rush prematurely into the Spanish-American War. But when it was declared and won, he had valuable Pacific territories to show for his effort. In addition, McKinley avoided conflict with Britain over Central America. He cooperated with the European powers and suppressed the Boxer Rebellion in China. And he protected the "open door" to China as the Manchu dynasty crumbled.
Global Leadership
McKinley began carving out a world leadership role for the United States. But he did so reluctantly. Global leadership was largely forced on him by the U.S. victory in the Spanish-American War. After the Pacific territories were won, the United States was competitive with European imperialist powers. It was no longer captive to its regional Atlantic interests. For the first time in history, the United States was poised to become a truly international power.
Military Preparedness
McKinley did not enter the Spanish-American War unprepared. By the time he moved, the U.S. military was ready for war. After the war was won, McKinley further enhanced U.S. military power. He established naval bases and refueling stations in the new Pacific territories.
Territorial Expansion
McKinley presided over the largest acquisition of overseas territories in U.S. history. He annexed Hawaii, Samoa, and Wake Island. He also acquired Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. McKinley did not formally annex Cuba. But the Platt Amendment converted Cuba into a U.S. satellite.
War and Peace
McKinley won the Spanish-American War. It was a relatively short war. It ended in 1898 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris.
The Historical Legacy
McKinley left an outstanding legacy. He made the United States competitive with European world powers. He protected the "open door" to China. He acquired the Pacific territories of Hawaii, Samoa, Wake Island, Guam, and Puerto Rico. He brought Cuba and the Philippines under U.S. influence. But his policies were not uniformly successful. Unwittingly, McKinley helped foster anti-U.S. traditions in both Cuba and the Philippines.
