William McKinley (January 29; 1843 - September 14; 1901) was an American politician and lawyer who served as the 25th President of the United States from March 4; 1897 until his assassination in September 1901; six months into his second term.

McKinley led the nation to victory in the Spanish-American War; raised protective tariffs to promote American industry; and maintained the nation on the gold standard in a rejection of inflationary proposals.