William McKinley Jr. ( January 29 , 1843 – September 14 , 1901 ) was the 25th president of the United States , serving from March 4 , 1897 , until his assassination six months into his second term . During his presidency , McKinley led the nation to victory in the Spanish – American War , raised protective tariffs to promote American industry and kept the nation on the gold standard in a rejection of free silver ( effectively , expansionary monetary policy )
his assassination
Assassination of William McKinley
William McKinley