The return of economic prosperity and recent victory in the Spanish–American War helped McKinley 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.
The return of economic prosperity and recent victory in the Spanish–American War helped McKinley 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 516% 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