How to Research William McKinley

William McKinley was the 25th president of the United States and the third president to be assassinated. To learn more about his life, times and death, follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet
• Books about the presidents
• Books about American history

1. Search government and history websites and books to learn about the best-known aspect of William McKinley--his conservative stance on business issues and conciliatory nature.
2. Study his biographies to learn how McKinley rose to the rank of brevet major in the Civil War. Explore his push for protectionist tariffs as governor of Ohio and a U.S. representative. Understand that he defeated William Jennings Bryan for the presidency despite Bryan's "Cross of Gold" speech.
3. Look for information on his election in 1896 on a platform in favor of a protective tariff, the gold standard and a free silver exchange. Also look at the Open Door Policy that sought free trade in China.
4. Study important legislation passed during McKinley's presidency such as the Dingley Tariff Act and the Gold Standard Act, which set United States currency to the gold standard.
5. Examine other significant events in McKinley's presidency such as The Spanish-American War which resulted in the acquisition of Guam, the Philippines and Puerto Rico through the Treaty of Paris. Learn that McKinley was shot by Leon Czolgosz in 1901, and that he probably died from infection and poor medical care. Also worthy of study is The Boxer Rebellion in China.