lettersforvivian.org – On September 6, 1901, President William McKinley was shot while attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. His assassination not only shocked the nation but also marked a dramatic turning point in American history, as McKinley’s death ushered in the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, one of the most dynamic and transformative leaders in U.S. history. The murder of McKinley was the result of a complex mix of personal, political, and social factors, and its repercussions were felt far beyond the immediate tragedy. This article will explore the circumstances surrounding McKinley’s assassination, the aftermath of his death, and the legacy of the event that altered the course of the nation’s future.
The Road to the Assassination
McKinley’s Presidency
William McKinley’s presidency was characterized by significant political, economic, and social change. Elected in 1896 and re-elected in 1900, McKinley led the United States through a period of economic prosperity, industrial growth, and imperial expansion. His leadership during the Spanish-American War in 1898 transformed the United States into a global imperial power, with the acquisition of territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
Domestically, McKinley presided over a growing economy, marked by a rise in industrial production, the expansion of railroads, and the influence of big business. His economic policies, particularly his support for the gold standard and protectionist tariffs, were aimed at stabilizing the economy and fostering growth. McKinley’s leadership style was cautious and pragmatic, earning him respect as a steady hand guiding the nation during a time of uncertainty.
However, despite his achievements, McKinley faced significant opposition from various groups, including labor unions, populists, and anti-imperialists, who believed that his policies disproportionately benefited the wealthy and industrial elites. McKinley’s approach to imperialism, especially the annexation of the Philippines, provoked widespread debate, with critics arguing that it contradicted the nation’s ideals of democracy and self-determination.
The Rise of Leon Czolgosz
At the time of McKinley’s assassination, there was growing unrest in the United States, particularly among laborers and anarchists. The industrialization of the country had led to significant social inequality, and many working-class Americans felt left behind by the economic boom. Among them was Leon Czolgosz, a young man who would ultimately become infamous for assassinating the president.
Czolgosz was born in Michigan to Polish immigrant parents in 1873. He was a member of the working class and had experienced firsthand the harsh realities of life in industrial America. Throughout his early life, Czolgosz struggled to find steady employment and was exposed to the ideas of anarchism, a radical political philosophy that rejected government authority and advocated for the overthrow of established institutions. Anarchist movements had gained popularity in the United States in the late 19th century, and Czolgosz, disillusioned by his own experiences with economic hardship and the growing gap between the rich and the poor, became sympathetic to their ideals.
Czolgosz’s decision to assassinate McKinley was influenced by his belief that the president symbolized the oppressive political and economic system he sought to destroy. Czolgosz had attended several anarchist rallies, and he was inspired by the ideas of figures like Emma Goldman, a prominent anarchist who had criticized McKinley’s imperialism and policies. Czolgosz’s hatred of McKinley and the system he represented led him to take extreme action.
The Planning of the Assassination
Czolgosz’s plot to assassinate McKinley began to take shape in the months leading up to the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, where McKinley was scheduled to attend. The exposition was meant to celebrate the technological and cultural achievements of the United States and its position as a rising world power. McKinley had been invited to open the fair, and his appearance was highly anticipated. Czolgosz saw this event as the perfect opportunity to strike.
In the days leading up to McKinley’s visit to Buffalo, Czolgosz purchased a revolver and concealed it in a bandage on his right hand. He was determined to carry out the assassination alone, without the support of any group or organization. Although Czolgosz’s plot was the result of his personal radical beliefs, he was deeply influenced by the anarchist climate of the time, where violence against political leaders was seen by some as a legitimate form of protest.
The Day of the Assassination
McKinley’s Visit to the Pan-American Exposition
On September 6, 1901, McKinley arrived at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, where he was greeted by a large crowd of admirers. The exposition, which took place in the city’s West Side, was a celebration of American achievements in industry, culture, and science. McKinley was scheduled to visit the fairgrounds and meet with the public in a “public handshake” event, which was meant to allow people to see the president up close.
The event took place in the Temple of Music, a building at the fairgrounds where McKinley was scheduled to greet the public. At around 4:00 PM, McKinley entered the building, shaking hands with members of the public. Among the crowd was Leon Czolgosz, who stood near the front of the line and patiently waited for his moment to strike. Czolgosz had concealed his revolver in a handkerchief, and as he approached McKinley, he quickly pulled out the gun and fired two shots at point-blank range.
The first bullet struck McKinley in the abdomen, while the second grazed his arm. McKinley staggered but remained conscious. Immediately after the shots were fired, Czolgosz was subdued by bystanders and security officers. He was arrested on the spot, and the crowd quickly turned into a mob, with people calling for Czolgosz’s immediate lynching. McKinley, however, was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors attempted to treat his wounds.
McKinley’s Condition
Although McKinley initially appeared to be conscious and responsive after the shooting, his condition worsened over the course of the evening. The doctors determined that the bullet had caused significant internal damage, and there was little hope of recovery. Despite his worsening condition, McKinley remained calm and composed, refusing to express anger or frustration over the attack. His last words were reportedly, “Do not let them hurt him.”
As the news of the assassination attempt spread, the nation went into shock. McKinley’s death seemed imminent, and the entire country waited anxiously for updates on his condition. On September 14, 1901, after several days of suffering, McKinley died from gangrene caused by his gunshot wounds. His death marked the first assassination of a sitting president in more than 30 years, and it would have profound implications for the United States.
The Aftermath: The Impact of McKinley’s Death
The Trial and Execution of Leon Czolgosz
Following McKinley’s death, Leon Czolgosz was swiftly brought to trial for the assassination. Czolgosz was charged with murder, and the case was tried in a courtroom in Buffalo. During the trial, Czolgosz showed little remorse for his actions, and his defense was limited to a plea of insanity, though there was little evidence to support this claim. Czolgosz believed he had acted in the name of anarchism, and he made it clear that he considered McKinley’s assassination a justified act of political violence.
Czolgosz was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. On October 29, 1901, he was executed in the electric chair at Auburn Prison in New York. His execution was swift, and his death was seen by many as the necessary consequence of his heinous act. Czolgosz’s assassination of McKinley led to a crackdown on anarchist groups in the United States, and the event contributed to a growing suspicion of radical political movements during the early 20th century.
The Ascension of Theodore Roosevelt
McKinley’s death had an immediate and profound effect on the course of American history. As McKinley’s vice president, Theodore Roosevelt, assumed the presidency upon McKinley’s death. Roosevelt’s leadership would mark a dramatic shift in American politics. While McKinley had been a cautious, conservative leader, Roosevelt was a progressive reformer who sought to reshape the American political landscape.
Roosevelt’s presidency would be marked by his strong support for progressive policies, including the regulation of big business, the protection of workers’ rights, and the conservation of natural resources. He also became known for his assertive foreign policy, which included the construction of the Panama Canal and the expansion of American influence around the world. Roosevelt’s leadership would help steer the nation into the 20th century, and his impact on the course of American history would be felt for decades to come.
McKinley’s Legacy
While McKinley’s life and presidency were cut tragically short, his contributions to American society and its development cannot be overlooked. McKinley helped guide the United States through a period of intense economic growth and imperial expansion. His leadership in the Spanish-American War, as well as his domestic economic policies, laid the groundwork for the modern American economy and its role in the global community.
McKinley’s assassination, though tragic, was a catalyst for change, ushering in an era of progressive reforms and setting the stage for the rapid transformation of the United States in the 20th century. The event would remain a symbol of both the fragility of political leadership and the resilience of the nation in the face of tragedy.
Conclusion
The assassination of William McKinley was a pivotal moment in American history. It marked the tragic end of a presidency that had seen the United States rise as a global power, and it set the stage for a new era under Theodore Roosevelt. McKinley’s death shocked the nation and raised important questions about political violence, anarchism, and the limits of government power. Despite the tragic circumstances of his death, McKinley’s legacy lives on through the policies he championed and the course of history he helped shape.
