William McKinley (born William McKinley Jr., January 29, 1843 – September 14, 1901) was the 25th president of the United States from 1897, until his assassination in 1901. William McKinley (born William McKinley Jr., January 29, 1843 – September 14, 1901) was the 25th president of the United States from 1897, until his assassination in 1901. 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). In the wake of McKinley's election in 1896, African Americans were hopeful of progress towards equality. Critics replied by saying that he could at least publicly condemn such events, as Harrison had done.According to historian Clarance A. Bacote, 'Before the Spanish–American War, the Negroes, in spite of some mistakes, regarded McKinley as the best friend they ever had.'