William McKinley and His America

by H. Wayne Morgan

This full-scale critical biography of the twenty-fifth president draws a portrait that differs from the popular image of William McKinley as a conservative and protectionist. With particular emphasis on his thirty-year career in national politics, the book shows that McKinley was sympathetic to labor, that as president he was caught by events—not impelled by Hearst and Pulitzer—in the outbreak of the Spanish-American conflict, that his foreign policy was farsighted and internationalistic—rather than imperialistic.
In a fast-paced, anecdotal narrative style, the biography describes and analyzes McKinley's skill as a politician, his phenomenal personal charm, and the philosophy and attitudes behind his decisions and policies. Problems and issues dealt with during his administration, commonly viewed as a watershed in American history in almost all spheres, are given fresh and illuminating treatment.
Events during McKinley's pre-presidential career are examined in depth, with particular attention to experiences that contributed to his policies and views in later years: his strict upbringing in a frugal yet liberally minded household in Niles, Ohio, where he was born in in 1843, his service as a volunteer in the Civil War from which he emerged with honors, the rank of major, and a strong concern for the nation's welfare, and his brief but successful career as an Ohio lawyer.
Elected to Congress in 1876, he won national attention for his stand on the tariff, rising from minor committee appointments to the influential and responsible chairmanship of the powerful Ways and Means Committee. After two terms as governor of Ohio, he achieved the presidency in 1896 and 1900 and a national popularity that cut across political lines. His assassination in 1901 plunged the nation into mourning.
The discussion of the political climate of the late nineteenth century includes a detailed and exciting behind-the-scenes account of the modus operandi of politics at the local, state, and national level. There are intimate views of people and forces that have affected the course of history. Here is a picture of Marcus Alonzo Hanna, manager of the Republican machine, lieutenant (rather than manipulator). Considering himself a liberal—even a friend of labor—his gross portrayal in contemporary newspaper cartoons once brought tears to Hanna's eyes. Here too is the ebullient Theodore Roosevelt, whose high spirits prompted someone to ask whether he was drunk. The harsh spoken Speaker of the House Thomas Reed, the cold and indifferent Benjamin Harrison, the politically naive Admiral George Dewey who returned from Manila confident of the presidential nomination on either ticket, and many others are described in the engrossing biography.
The author has drawn from vast quantities of primary and secondary sources in preparing this book. There are ample notes, an index, and 16 pages of illustrations.

Genres: Presidents, Biography, History, Nonfiction, Us Presidents, American History, Politics

595 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

Howard Wayne Morgan is professor emeritus of history at the University of Oklahoma.

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morgan presents a neatly-packed review of the life of the 25th president, in simple prose that is easy to understand while sometimes lacking color. He offers a warm snapshot of life in the aging White House, reaching its 100th year. Much attention is given to McKinley's wife, Ida, and their enduring relationship. I felt rushed at the end, reading of the 1900 renomination, the election, the final months, and the murder in just a few short chapters, though the nominating convention truly lacked the high drama of those that preceded it. I sensed the author's fixation on the way McKinley ended his letters, but otherwise was pleased with the story that finished my personal stroll--via presidential biographies-- through the 19th Century. Morgan left me with this thought: That I have now read the history of the United States from "mud" to "marble."

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://bestpresidentialbios.com/2015/...

“William McKinley and His America” by H. Wayne Morgan was published in 1963. Morgan was a noted historian of the Gilded Age, an author and a history professor for nearly three decades at the University of Oklahoma. Morgan died in 2014 at the age of 79.

The underlying theme of Morgan’s biography is that McKinley was a strong but compassionate transitional figure, pivoting the presidency from the Gilded Age to the modern era of politics. And while admitting that McKinley was not a “great” president, Morgan seems to suggest he fell not far from that category.

Despite the book’s title it is far more a biography of McKinley than a history of his times (or “His America”). This stands in contrast to Margaret Leech’s earlier biography of McKinley which is at least as much the latter as the former. But historical context is never in short supply and the reader never loses sight of important events outside McKinley’s immediate sphere.

Though lengthy at 530 pages, this biography is well-paced, nicely balanced and surprisingly interesting. The various periods of McKinley’s life each receive reasonable coverage; his pre-presidency (including his childhood, legal and congressional careers and terms as governor of Ohio) accounts for about half the book. And although there is relatively little focus on McKinley’s family life, his children died in early childhood so, other than his conspicuous devotion to his frail wife, politics was his life.

While Morgan’s writing style lacks elegant flourishes it is direct, impactful and easy to understand. There are no hidden messages to decode or important themes uncover. He demonstrates an uncommon talent for explaining complex (or dull) issues in remarkably comprehensible language: his introductions to the Cuban conflict and the tariff issue were among the best I’ve seen.

The author also does a nice job analyzing McKinley’s personality, dissecting it into the various character traits which assisted in his political ascension and differentiated him from his contemporaries. Morgan’s portrayal of McKinley is neither overly sympathetic nor particularly harsh. But I was struck by his willingness to forgive McKinley for his failure to prepare the military for the conflict with Spain and for his miserable choice of Sherman as secretary of State.

Other notable features of this biography are an engaging discussion of McKinley’s 1896 presidential campaign and an interesting review of McKinley’s cabinet selection process. And Morgan ends the book with a useful review of McKinley’s presidency and the attributes which lined his path to political success. But disappointingly there is less emphasis on McKinley’s legacy or place in history (even from the author’s dated vantage point) than I would have liked.

Morgan’s biography is also about 10-20% too long. There were relatively few occasions when the text became bogged down, but with careful pruning (perhaps 50-100 fewer pages) this biography could be even more compelling. Embedded footnotes and a bibliography would also enhance the book.

Overall, H. Wayne Morgan’s “William McKinley and His America” is a creditable biography of an arguably under-appreciated president. This book proves comprehensive, balanced, interesting and incredibly straightforward. Readers with an interest in William McKinley will almost certainly find this a rewarding and worthwhile journey.

Overall rating: 4 stars

[Bryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

America turns it's back on its founding.

President Review:

Pre Political LIfe
William McKinley grew up from small beginnings to say the least being the 7th of 8 children. He stood out in the civil war putting his life on the line multiple times and even falling under the command of an other future president in Hayes. However, the horrors of fighting in a war would soon leave him during his political climb to become president.

Political Life
McKinley wanted to stay in the spot light and spot no other life than that of a politician. He went from one office to the other and when he wasn't in office he made sure to stay in front of the people so they wouldn't forget them. He had a way with crowds of people and could easily rally crowds to his belief. Unfortunately at this time most of the US population was used to this political rhetoric which he would later use as a presidential nominee to manipulate the people to his way of thinking. The pinnacle of his pre-presidential political life came with the McKinley tariff which hurt the common man.

Entering Office:
McKinley enters office on a high note through hard times that Cleveland took the brunt of political blame even though this was more than likely caused by the Harrison admin. He does fulfill a campaign promise by putting a half effort into the killing of the silver issue and pushes for annexation of Hawaii. This despite the corrupt efforts surrounding the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy that Cleveland withstood calls to annex. McKinley shows no remorse over any illegal dealings/actions.
Cuba
I will note he handled the Cuba situation extremely well. It was a volatile issue with Spain clinging to imperial power with no chance of letting that power go. They used concentration camps to route out the rebels and other violent means to hold control over the island. McKinley had every justification after the Maine explosion to go to war and made it clear that they did not want to hold Cuba for their own. Here is the kicker... they wanted other islands. The Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico. The very yolk that America had overthrow to gain it's independence was used on people of little means.

Philippines
Vietnam 1.0 it should be called. America fights Spain Navy and wins a terrific battle. This should of been where the story ended with the Philippines but no. The rebels had fought the Spaniards back to just the city center fort. Imagine their surprise when the USA walks in and hangs the fly over the islands. They had been so close to gaining their freedom with only it to be snatched away. This issue was controversial in America at the time with even Andrew Carnegie and Mark Twain splitting from the Republican party over this issue. Numerous what would be war crimes were committed and CONCENTRATION camps were set up for the rebels and villagers of the island. What did these calls and numerous others for independence get from McKinley? Paraphrasing here "Their not ready to lead but when they are we will let them go.".. hmm that sounds a lot like the issues we have today trying to intervene and have countries set up our system and also very belittling of the island people.
China
It gets worse, McKinley wanted a part of the "Open Door Policy" to China. A semi European Powers + America goes into China with out the Chinese people's consent. Again shadows of an old colonial policy that America fought off to gain independence. What happened when the Chinese try to push back on these powers in the "Boxer Rebellion"? They were put down quickly and put back in their place under the boot of the powers. Not too mention America got upset with Russia, Germany and Japan with regards to the "Open Door" policy.
Positives
McKinley doesn't really invent anything new aside from foreign policy. Tariff reduction through reciprocity was a hybrid continuation of Cleveland's and so was his budding alliance with England.

Presidential Ranking D = Had so much potential but caused so many issues that are still effecting us to this date.

Book Rating: 3 stars. Biased based book and almost comes off as white washing. When describing Aguinaldo(leader of the Philippine rebellion), he takes a quote out of context from his memoirs stating he was grateful for America's take over which is completely untrue as he helped the Japanese overthrow the American's during WWII. He lived into the 1960's. He down plays Cleveland's administrations and especially puts blame for the economic disaster on him. The economics down turn happened in 1893 which was more than likely caused by Harrison's policies. One last thing, he rails on Sherman for being old and not active during cabinet meetings but the same happened to the Secretary of the Navy Long who TR frequently replaced at cabinet meetings.

[Campbell Stites · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshingly interesting book and life of William McKinley. The 3rd United States President assassinated, he was a man of character and of the people, whose admiration has a lot to be proud of. This book was a huge step up from my last one and I was thoroughly impressed with its contents. Morgan’s writing style flowed beautifully and I was able to read with understanding a majority of the book. Although some variance with timelines, the readability of this biography was top notch, 8.5/10. Being 400 pages, this book was able to cover a lot of McKinley’s life and I am very satisfied with all that was covered with it. He did a great job explaining the events leading up the Spanish-American war, but I felt a little robbed of content about the war itself. Also, I wouldn’t have minded more coverage of his family or his relationship with Theodore Roosevelt, Morgan did a splendid job covering McKinley’s life in a in depth but not exhaustive measure, 8.5/10. For engagement, I was very interested in what was going on in this book and am impressed with how Morgan kept me in tranced even with foreign policy talk, maybe I’m evolving (or McKinley’s foreign policy interactions were much more attractive than Chester Arthur’s). Although some of the chapters could have been split up, overall the engagement of this book was up to par, 8.25. This book was a little older compared to my last few, which worried me, but I was surprised at its understandable language and its engaging concepts. Morgan did a good job covering McKinley’s life with essentially no bias (maybe lean republican). I would 100% read another book by him. This was a great read and I enjoyed it, but, it doesn’t stand out compared to some of the others I’ve read, which is understandable. Overall Rating 8.25/10. McKinley the man thoroughly impressed me. I didn’t know much about him, other than his dismal death, and assumed that he was killed before he really left mark on America. I was wrong, he accomplished so much during his time in office and before. The last civil war veteran to serve as President, McKinley was always a man of the people and proved that during his time in public life. From his handling of the Spanish-American war and the Philippines, to his economic policy and cabinet picks, he had an immensely successful tenure, and would probably be a top-10 president if allowed to serve 4 more years (may be generous). Accomplishments, 9/10. For the “great” scale. I see William McKinley as a great man. His character and faith showed how unwavering he could be, while also balancing taking advice and doing what he believed to be right. The McKinley Tariff, expanded powers of executive, america opened to foreign trade, we can thank McKinley for those.
This man is someone that everyone should research and study, and someone who deserves his name to be referenced throughout history, 8.5/10. I am very happy with what I have read and look forward to reading about his sudden successor.

[Matt Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read!

Like most Americans, I was completely unfamiliar with the man! After this fascinating book which made me literally laugh out loud at least five times, I find myself opposed to free trade, for the return of the party bosses, and more than willing to wave the bloody shirt! Well worth the hefty price tag of $40.

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

William McKinley, 25th president of the United States, assassinated possibly at the peak of his popularity, but now largely forgotten. Perhaps he is forgotten because he had no real signature achievement - the Spanish American War was brief, the Philippines are now Independent (and the American legacy there not especially proud) and his largest policy crusades were over Gold, tariffs, and reciprocity - boring compared to the legacy of Lincoln or the enduring mystery of JFK.

If Morgan's intention is to make McKinley jump off the page, he doesn't manage that. McKinley, though not, perhaps, as cold and aloof as he might at first seem, was a private and quiet man. He had deep convictions, but unlike some of the more dramatic stands on the constitution or presidential powers he stood on more arcane matters of finance. Despite that he straddled a difficult period in American history, the significant shift from the second party system, the beginning of American Imperialism, the shift from the presidents of the nineteenth century to the presidents of the modern era. As Morgan points out, though, he doesn't do anything dramatic with that position. He nudges the public instead of marching into the future, and while he seems to have had glimmers of the kind of American exeptionalism that would propel the country into the American century, he was never able to put that idea into a cogent or discrete ideal. That could be left to his second vice-president, Theodore Roosevelt.

It's always a difficult question to judge a president not already considered "great" and say he was - often authors push that argument and fail, and the books are weaker for it. Morgan sticks to the part that McKinley played within his own time, and does not spend much time talking about his legacy or what makes him great compared to others, instead focusing on what made him the man he was within his own context. Men do not become Presidents on accident. Even the "Dark Horses" or "compromise candidates" reach that position for specific reasons. McKinley took a fairly conventional route to the presidency, anchored as presidents so often are by a capable political manager - Jackson had Van Buren, McKinley had Mark Hanna.

The weaknesses of this book might have something to do with the aloof nature of McKinley, the man whose primary interests were highly academic, and who spent much of his free time taking care of his ailing wife. Morgan's prose does not gallop, and often lacks for terribly interesting reading. In this case, I fear, to a level that interferes somewhat with the story. Some revision could trim this down into a much more readable biography without taking too much from the depth of the research.

[Regina Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

William McKinley and His America by Wayne Morgan
3 Stars

McKinley was the last Civil War veteran to serve as president. Interestingly, his mother was disappointed he became president. She envisioned him as a preacher. His time in Ohio politics and the patience he developed caring for an ailing wife helped shape many of the attributes he would employ in dealing with Congress. Even though much of the domestic debate during this era centered on monetary policy, McKinley was best known for his tariff stance. He was fiercely loyal to labor and a protectionist, feeling the U.S. was not ready for international markets. He won a second term with a new vice-president, Teddy Roosevelt, who would ascend to the presidency when McKinley was assassinated.

Morgan opens the book stating, “He was clearly on of our most important president and deserves attention both as a personality and a leader.” (vii).That is quite a bold statement. In my opinion he fell short in proving his point. There is no doubt that important events occurred during his tenure. Some of those include Spanish-American War, acquiring colonial possessions - Puerto Rico and the Phillippines - and the annexation of Hawaii. However, in my opinion, Morgan glosses over McKinley’s weaknesses and missteps in his foreign policy. Morgan also seems to have a rather nostalgic affinity for The Gilded Age. I was really disappointed in a couple of areas. Before becoming president, McKinley was opposed to the idea of global expansion. He was very much a protectionist mentality. Yet, he is the president that made the U.S. a colonial power. Morgan chooses to propose that McKinley had no choice in his actions, which I don’t quite buy. I really would have liked a clearer understanding of how he pivoted on international affairs. In his defense, Morgan did provide the first cogent argument for the annexation of Hawaii even if I still don’t agree with it. Some of the best moments deal with his relationship with his wife and it is interesting to reflect on Lincoln’s marriage. The two men had difficult times with their respective wives yet dealt with it vastly differently. McKinley apparently loved his wife deeply and her ailments worried him tremendously. He developed a great deal of patience helping her and he was constantly ensuring her comfort. Finally, it was during his administration that the U.S. and the U.K. cemented their friendships and became allies.

[Mark Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers the life of America's 25th president, William McKinley. It covers his childhood, his service in the Civil War, and his political career, including his unfortunate assassination.

McKinley lived during a transitional time in America. He was the last president of the Civil War generation, and in many ways he was the first modern president. Despite the sectional forces at work during the last half of the 19th century, he spent his career unifying the country around nationalist issues like sound currency and a strong protectionist tariff. As was common in his era, he often avoided publicly stating his position on various issues, since it was felt that it was not the executive's place to dictate to Congress. However, he was one of the first presidents to proactively work behind the scenes with Congress on legislation that he wanted enacted. And most notably, he was president during the Spanish-American War, which was the beginning of America's emergence as a world power in the 20th century.

McKinley was a fairly cautious politician, often waiting silently until public opinion crystallized around a particular direction. This was perhaps a contributing factor to the Spanish-American War, which was extremely popular at the time, although McKinley tried to avoid it behind the scenes. It was not until later in his administration that he began trying to use presidential speeches to influence public opinion. Unfortunately, he was killed before that effort paid off.

McKinley was an extremely popular president. He was well known for his personal charm, which he used to influence members of Congress to adopt his desired legislative agenda. He was the first Republican president to be reelected since Grant, and his reelection was a landslide. His assassination by a crazed anarchist was a national tragedy, mourned by the entire country.

The author paints a convincing picture of McKinley as an effective president during a transitional time in American history. The book is well written, does a good job of evaluating McKinley's strengths and weaknesses, and provides valuable insight into his life and times. I would recommend it to anyone interested in McKinley or in this period in history.

[David Oskutis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say that starting this novel, I recognized the name McKinley, knew that he came between Cleveland and Roosevelt, but other than that, not much else. I was pleasantly surprised at the first half of this book and the things that McKinley has accomplished. I was equally surprised at how his inaction (purposefully done) as President is what shaped most of his presidency. His tactic of waiting out public opinion is probably what made him popular. He didn't do what he wanted so much as he waited until the public was clamoring for something and then gave it to them, good or bad.

There are issues that the book did not explain, such as how the annexation of Hawaii was Manifest Destiny, but when trying to liberate Cuba from Spanish control (and ending up fighting the Spanish in the Philippines) turned into Carnegie calling McKinley an "Imperialist" and threatening to turn America into an empire. So, Hawaii yes, Cuba or the Philippines, no. But no explanation. Also, in trans-world affairs, how a border dispute between American and Canada at the discovery of gold led to negotiations with England for the Panama canal. While the canal resolution apparently solved the Alaska/Canada border dispute, the book does not explain how the two events are even remotely related or why the canal solved the issue.

Finally, I think it's most interesting that McKinley got credit for doing very little, and letting others do most of the work under his name. I was glad to see that the people who did the work started to get the public notoriety and praise they deserved. So much so that one of them, a fellow Republican, probably wouldn't beaten McKinley in the Republican primaries for his re-election of McKinley hadn't tapped him to be his VP (that being Teddy Roosevelt). What saddens me is that McKinley was warned several times over about appearing at an expo in Buffalo, that crowd control would be dangerous, that security would be light, and his response was that no one would ever want to hurt him. Well, sure enough, an anarchist, with absolutely nothing against McKinley at all, shoots him. I'm amazed a bullet was stopped by a button. I'm amazed that the expo had new "x-ray technology for medical use" on site, but when doctors could not find the second bullet in McKinley's body, they didn't bother to try it and see if they could find it (they probably would have), also, that after not finding the bullet, they expressed concerns about infection, but did nothing to prevent infection, and that's what ultimate took the President's life a week later...and only 6 months into his second term, which he won mostly on name of having Teddy Roosevelt on his ticket with him.

This turned out to be a far more enlightening biography than I expected, but it is very slow in the last 75 pages (picks right back up with the re-election talk, about 10 pages to go before the end, though). While the book may not have been a riveting page-turner, the President is well worth knowing about.

[Jason Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super relevant President and issues to our day today, Morgan does a great job capturing McKinley, a man of the people. During his time, the issues revolved around the tariffs, protection vs reciprocity vs free trade. (sound familiar?) and money, whether to stay 100% on the gold standard, switch to silver, or form a bimetal policy. (bitcoin?) And he delt with expansion issues such as the Philippines and Cuba (Greenland, Canada?) And he laid the groundwork for the Panama Canal that Teddy Roosevelt continued (Panama Canal?)

McKinley was a man who had a sixth sense for understanding the tide of the nation. At one time backing silver and later changing to the gold standard. He handled issue with silence and reflection. He swayed those to his side through allowing them to think they had convinced him. He was happy to delegate to those he trusted and stuck by some far longer than necessary. He trusted the people and believed he owed citizens access to its President. He was known for not making enemies, staying silent until he felt he best understood the citizens wishes and the rhetoric died down. This belief of the love of everyone, obligation to be accessible, and belief he had no enemies, lead to his being shot and killed by an anarchist.

A great biography that is super relevant. The issues are similar but the way they are being handled are drastically different.

[Andy Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This biography of McKinley was written in 1963 and revised in 2003. To a certain extent it reflects the times when it was written, but it does an excellent job on so much. His upbringing, his service in the Civil War, his political career in Ohio and election to the Presidency in 1896 are all well documented. And it meets the scholarship test; the nuances of the tariff debates are examined in detail as is the later discussion of the gold standard vs free silver. The book also anticipates the rise of Theodore Roosevelt and the issues of imperialism including annexation of Hawaii, the Spanish-American War and what to do with the Philippines. His personal life, included his complicated marriage to his sickly and introverted wife is well documented, especially noting McKinley's devotion to her. And of course the tragic assassination.
But the book at times feels a bit stale, especially its treatment of the civil rights and labor issues of the time and the economic hardships that gave rise to the William Jennings Bryan boom. But all in all, a fine book

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very thorough and probably good history.
I started reading this thinking it would be like "Roosevelt -- the prequel".
Turns out it was a bit of a slog, especially compared with the three (3!) volume biography of Teddy Roosevelt I kind of breezed through.
May this is because the issues confronting McKinley were sometimes less than spectacular (esp. the gold standard debate and the wrangling with tariffs), and of course McKinley himself was the opposite of the blustering Roosevelt as a personality. Still, I couldn't help feel a more literary or journalistically inclined biographer like Caro would have tried to wrest a more riveting story out of it, and might have succeeded.
So... solid, but nog necessarily a great read.

[James Ruley · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this work on McKinley, Morgan presents a clear and compelling view of America’s 25th President. McKinley’s rise to the presidency is remarkable, and Morgan traces how clever politics and McKinley’s friendly, persuasive nature helped place him in the most coveted role in the nation. Much of this work is spent discussing the battles of the McKinley president—the gold standard, tariffs, and the Spanish-America War. Although these debates do, in some level, seem archaic to a 21st century reader, Morgan handles them with clarity and never gets too bogged down. McKinley seems to have been a decent, honest man and his accomplishments are worthy of recognition even today.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a classic, solid biography of McKinley that takes a very humanizing stance on the man. The author is loathe to criticize him, always finding the best in McKinley even to the point of blaming the people around him. At least, that's the way I read it.

I think the book really focuses on McKinley a lot even as things transpire around him, without giving the reader a larger context on the world and its politics during those periods.

Overall I did learn a lot about McKinley here.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a remarkable read. Well written and engaging. I often tripped over words and concepts that I have heard from President Trump and his staff. It is as if someone in the MAGA program grafted thoughts and programs for repurposing in today's world. Obviously, tariffs but others such as global expansion, the Panama Canal, "common sense", running for a third term, and imperialism.

[Shawn Hirt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read of his entire life with balance of politics and personal. A little detailed early on when he was a state rep in Ohio...lots of names, etc that did not matter now. But picks up and ends well.

[Joshua Evan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rather uncritical biography of the 25th president. Enjoyed a few sections especially the author’s analysis of the invasion and colonization of the Philippines and McKinley’s decisions. Also found the 1900 GOP convention retelling interesting. But generally a fan’s take on McKinley.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started this book, fittingly, on inauguration day. This fact is rendered more fitting by Trump's invoking McKinley's name in his address. The style of writing was very "matter-of-fact." The most interesting parts concern the Spanish-American War, and they are indeed engaging.

[Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although a little dated, this is still a solid biography of the 25th president of the United States.

[Scott Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

William McKinley, 25th President of the United States, was the third President to be assassinated while in office. His mother, a devout Methodist, was disappointed that her son merely became President . . . she had wanted him to become a minister. Deeply religious all his life, McKinley accepted his destiny with humility, honesty, and aplomb. McKinley was the last Civil War veteran President, and is perhaps best known for being Commander in Chief of the Spanish-American War of 1898. A good amount of this biography (~45 pages) was dedicated not to Cuba (as I expected), but to the war in the Philippines. Admiral Dewey made several promises to garner support from Philippine independence leader, Emilio Aguinaldo, to help overthrow the hated Spanish colonialists. After successful closure to the war with Spain, McKinley began to weigh his options for the Philippines: (1) return the islands to Spain, (2) let another nation oversee the country (Japan??), (3) temporarily oversee the nation until Philippine elections could be held, or (4) acquire the nation. Unfortunately (in my analysis), McKinley chose to acquire the nation, making the United States a colonial power, and starting a bloody war for independence within the Philippines. This was probably the darkest period in McKinley’s presidency, otherwise noted for his popular stands for a gold standard, protective tariffs, and his fair treatment to labor during the close of America’s Gilded Age. One last thing, McKinley was overwhelmingly reelected with a new vivacious Vice Presidential running mate, Teddy Roosevelt. You can see where this leads . . .

[Bill Pritchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in my study of our 25th President, William McKinley adds to the list of men who were remarkable in his own right. I have yet to study a US President who was not a remarkable, self-made person who was a great success in many things - even if it was not as a President. When George W Bush won the White House, he was the 1st incumbent Republican governor elected president since... you guessed it - William McKinley. The years of his presidency was transitional. He stood as both the last traditional chief executive and as the first modern one, trying through his policies of conciliation to ease his country and his people into the new position their responsibilities demanded. The author closes his book with a line from McKinley himself - "That's all man can hope for during lifetime - to set an example, and when he is dead, to be an inspiration for history."

Very popular during his time as president, he was instrumental in starting America on the path to becoming a global power - mostly from his reluctance of putting troops into the Spanish-American War.

Studying McKinley also introduces oneself to the next iconic US Presidents - the 26th. Learning of his rise, and how his bombastic personality was so drastically different from the tacturn, careful, thoughtful McKinley, and his unfortunate assassination by anarchist Leon Czolgosz opened the door for the United States to turn in a different direction. Recommended for people who enjoy well written book on US history.

[The other John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this 1963 biography of William McKinley to be somewhat tedious at the outset. Professor Morgan covered all of the major details of McKinley's early life, military service and political career, but I found it rather dull. It's not until the late 1880s that McKinley's story caught my interest. Perhaps it's because the issues of McKinley's congressional career--the tariff and the currency--are not issues I care much about. Or perhaps it's because Professor Morgan only had 530 pages and wanted to focus on the presidential years. If so, I can't blame him. The political scene of the 1890s, as presented in the book, reminded me of the 1840s as presented in the Buchanan biography I read. (That would be President James Buchanan by Phillip S. Klein) There was a generational change as the United States became an industrial and global power. McKinley seemed to handle the transition better than Buchanan did, but he certainly felt some growing pains while doing so.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

One theme travels through all the presidential novels I have read: form your own opinions, believe in them, and stand by them when they are torn apart. It takes a strong leader to stand by his beliefs while empowering his opposition to create solutions in line with his opinions. Few were better at this than McKinley. He connected with the public, listened to their concerns and generally kept quiet when negative reports surfaced. All skills that take lots of practice.

His philosophy is a good one to live by: "That's all a man can hope for during his lifetime - to set an example, and when he is dead, to be an inspiration for history."

[Dave N · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly well researched work, with decent background information and context for a time period few people are generally familiar with. However, the author fails to question any decisions that McKinley made throughout his entire career, and so we're left with a hagiographic mess that we probably can't trust as a source. It's one thing to think a man is a good president (generally considered middle of the road by scholars, I might add), but to not present a healthy counterpoint to his actions in the Philippines and Cuba is just awful, as is favorably comparing him to Lincoln.

[John Venable · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good presidential biography, solidly written and easy to read. Not spectacular like some, but much better than many i've read. More detail than i've been getting from some recent bios, but i think that's just a reflection of the topic character. The author does a pretty good job of being a neutral biographer, but I'm pretty sure he's an admirer of McKinley, not that that's a bad thing, just FYI.

Now on to TR..

[Bart · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-reported account of a President who - along with James Polk - enjoyed one of the 19th century's most consequential four-year presidencies.

[Mr. V · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a good read. An interesting man. Saw action in the Civil War and worked his up to be the last President of the 19th century.