The return of economic prosperity and recent victory in the Spanish – American War helped McKinley to score a decisive victory , while Bryan 's anti-imperialist stance and continued support for bimetallism attracted only limited support . McKinley carried most states outside of the Solid South and won 51.6 % of the popular vote . The election results were similar to those of 1896 , though McKinley picked up several Western states and Bryan picked up Kentucky . McKinley was assassinated in September 1901 and was succeeded by Roosevelt
assassinated
Assassination of William McKinley
1900 United States presidential election