7 Documentaries Highlighting William McKinley's Pre-World War Era
Exploring America's Gilded Age Leadership
William McKinley's presidency marked a pivotal period in American history at the turn of the 20th century. As the 25th President of the United States, McKinley led the nation through significant events that shaped its trajectory on the global stage. Documentaries exploring McKinley's era offer valuable insights into the social, political, and economic landscape of America during this transformative time.
These films provide a window into McKinley's life, policies, and the broader context of his presidency. From his early political career to his assassination in 1901, documentaries highlight key moments and decisions that defined McKinley's legacy. They also shed light on the Spanish-American War, domestic issues, and the emergence of the United States as a world power during this pre-World War I period.
1) The McKinley Assassination 1901
President William McKinley was shot on September 6, 1901, at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. He was greeting the public when anarchist Leon Czolgosz fired two shots into his abdomen.
Initially, doctors were optimistic about McKinley's recovery. However, gangrene set in, and the president died eight days later on September 14. This tragic event marked the third presidential assassination in U.S. history.
The assassination had significant political consequences. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt succeeded McKinley, becoming the youngest president at age 42. Roosevelt's presidency ushered in the Progressive Era, characterized by social and political reforms.
Czolgosz was quickly apprehended and put on trial. He was found guilty and executed by electric chair on October 29, 1901. The assassination led to increased security measures for future presidents and heightened concerns about anarchist activities in the United States.
More information on the McKinley assassination
2) William McKinley's Quiet Path to Power
William McKinley's rise to the presidency was marked by steady progression and strategic alliances. He began his political career as a county prosecutor in Ohio, building a reputation for competence and integrity.
McKinley served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1877 to 1891. During this time, he became known for his expertise in tariff legislation and his support for protective tariffs to benefit American industries.
In 1891, McKinley was elected governor of Ohio. His tenure was characterized by fiscal responsibility and efforts to improve labor conditions. These accomplishments enhanced his national profile.
McKinley's presidential campaign in 1896 was notable for its innovative tactics. He conducted a "front porch" campaign, delivering speeches from his home in Canton, Ohio, which allowed him to control his message effectively.
His election victory in 1896 was decisive, marking the beginning of a new era in American politics. McKinley's presidency would usher in significant changes in economic policy and foreign affairs, setting the stage for America's emergence as a global power.
3) Forgotten Legacy: McKinley's Policies
William McKinley's presidency saw significant efforts to advance African American rights, a fact often overlooked in historical accounts. This documentary explores McKinley's dedication to appointing African Americans to federal offices.
During his first two years as president, McKinley appointed nearly as many African Americans to government positions as all his predecessors combined. The film highlights his collaboration with George Henry White, the last black Republican congressman of the Reconstruction era.
McKinley's policies aimed to safeguard the rights of African American citizens and promote their advancement in society. The documentary examines his efforts to combat racial violence and protect voting rights in the South.
Viewers gain insight into McKinley's alliance with influential African American leaders and his support for anti-lynching legislation. The film sheds light on this often-forgotten aspect of McKinley's legacy and its impact on race relations in America.
Forgotten Legacy: McKinley's Racial Policies (2022)
4) McKinley's War: The Spanish-American Conflict
The Spanish-American War of 1898 marked a pivotal moment in William McKinley's presidency. This brief conflict reshaped America's global role and cemented McKinley's legacy.
McKinley initially sought a diplomatic resolution to the Cuban crisis. He faced mounting pressure from the American public and press to intervene against Spanish colonial rule.
The sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor proved a turning point. McKinley requested congressional authorization for military intervention in Cuba on April 11, 1898.
The war lasted only 10 weeks. American forces secured swift victories in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Spain ceded its overseas territories, ending its colonial empire.
McKinley's handling of the conflict demonstrated his leadership during a time of national crisis. He navigated complex diplomatic and military challenges with measured resolve.
The war's outcome elevated the United States to the status of a world power. It marked the beginning of American overseas expansion and influence in the 20th century.
5) Economic Boom: The McKinley Years
William McKinley's presidency marked a period of significant economic growth in the United States. His administration implemented policies that fostered industrial expansion and financial stability.
McKinley championed high tariffs to protect American industries. This approach, known as protectionism, aimed to shield domestic manufacturers from foreign competition and boost the national economy.
Under McKinley's leadership, the U.S. adopted the gold standard in 1900. This decision stabilized the currency and attracted foreign investment, further fueling economic development.
The era saw a surge in industrial production and technological advancements. Steel output increased dramatically, while innovations in manufacturing processes improved efficiency across various sectors.
McKinley's pro-business stance encouraged the formation of large corporations and trusts. While this consolidation raised concerns about monopolies, it also contributed to rapid economic expansion.
During this period, unemployment rates remained low and wages rose for many workers. The growing economy created new job opportunities, particularly in urban areas and emerging industries.
McKinley's policies and the resulting economic prosperity laid the groundwork for America's emergence as a global industrial power in the early 20th century.
6) Before the World Wars: McKinley's America
William McKinley's presidency marked a pivotal period in American history. The nation was emerging as a global power, driven by rapid industrialization and economic growth.
McKinley's administration oversaw the Spanish-American War, which resulted in the United States acquiring territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. This expansion signaled America's new role on the world stage.
Domestically, McKinley championed high tariffs to protect American industries. His policies favored big business and contributed to the rise of powerful corporations and trusts.
The Gold Standard Act of 1900 established gold as the sole basis for redeeming paper currency. This decision had far-reaching effects on the American economy and monetary policy.
McKinley's presidency also saw increased immigration, urbanization, and technological advancements. These factors were reshaping American society and culture in profound ways.
The assassination of McKinley in 1901 brought an end to his era and ushered in the Progressive Era under Theodore Roosevelt. McKinley's legacy set the stage for America's rise as a world power in the 20th century.
7) Industrial Revolution Under McKinley
William McKinley's presidency coincided with a period of rapid industrial growth in the United States. His policies supported big business and industrial expansion, contributing to the Second Industrial Revolution.
McKinley favored high tariffs to protect American manufacturers from foreign competition. This approach helped stimulate domestic production and economic growth during his tenure.
The McKinley era saw significant technological advancements. Electricity became more widespread, and new inventions like the telephone and automobile began transforming American life and industry.
Steel production boomed under McKinley's administration. The formation of large corporations, such as U.S. Steel in 1901, exemplified the industrial consolidation of this period.
McKinley's presidency also witnessed the rise of oil as a crucial industrial resource. Standard Oil, led by John D. Rockefeller, dominated the oil industry and fueled America's industrial expansion.
The industrial growth during McKinley's time led to increased urbanization. Cities expanded rapidly as workers flocked to factory jobs, reshaping American society and demographics.
The Historical Significance of William McKinley's Era
William McKinley's presidency marked a pivotal period in American history. His administration oversaw significant economic changes and social developments that shaped the nation's trajectory into the 20th century.
Economic Growth and Industrialization
The McKinley era witnessed rapid industrial expansion and economic growth. Protective tariffs encouraged domestic manufacturing, while the gold standard stabilized currency. The U.S. economy boomed, with GDP growing by 7% annually between 1896 and 1899.
Major industries like steel, oil, and railroads flourished under McKinley's pro-business policies. Corporations gained unprecedented power and influence. The emergence of trusts and monopolies led to concerns about economic concentration.
McKinley's presidency coincided with the Second Industrial Revolution. New technologies like electricity, telephones, and automobiles transformed American life and industry. This period of innovation laid the groundwork for U.S. economic dominance in the 20th century.
Social Reforms and Labor Movements
Labor unrest intensified during McKinley's tenure as workers sought better conditions. The Pullman Strike of 1894 highlighted growing tensions between labor and management. McKinley favored business interests but also recognized the need for some reforms.
Progressive reformers pushed for social and political changes. They advocated for women's suffrage, municipal reforms, and regulations on child labor. The settlement house movement, led by figures like Jane Addams, addressed urban poverty and immigrant integration.
McKinley's era saw the rise of muckraking journalism, exposing social ills and corporate abuses. This investigative reporting fueled public demand for reforms. The groundwork laid during this period paved the way for the Progressive Era reforms of the early 1900s.
Key Events During McKinley's Presidency
William McKinley's presidency from 1897 to 1901 was marked by significant territorial expansions and foreign policy developments. Two major events shaped the geopolitical landscape of the United States during this period.
The Spanish-American War
The Spanish-American War of 1898 was a pivotal moment in McKinley's presidency. Tensions between Spain and the U.S. over Cuba escalated, leading to the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor.
McKinley initially sought a diplomatic solution but ultimately asked Congress for authorization to intervene in Cuba. The war lasted only 10 weeks, resulting in American victory.
The conflict led to Spain ceding control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States. This marked the emergence of the U.S. as a world power with overseas territories.
Annexation of Hawaii
In 1898, McKinley signed a joint resolution of Congress to annex the Republic of Hawaii. This move was driven by economic interests and strategic military considerations.
American planters and businessmen in Hawaii had overthrown the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. The McKinley administration saw annexation as a way to secure U.S. interests in the Pacific.
Hawaii officially became a U.S. territory on August 12, 1898. This acquisition provided the U.S. with a valuable naval base at Pearl Harbor and expanded American influence in the Pacific region.
