William McKinley

Bryan delivered the "Cross of Gold" speech, attacking the gold standard and securing the Democratic nomination for president.

McKinley conducted a front porch campaign advocating sound money and high tariffs during a deep economic depression.

Bryan invented the national stumping tour, reaching five million people in 27 states during the election year.

McKinley defeated Bryan in the November 3, 1896 election, marking a political realignment that ended the Third Party System.

The Pacific Forest Reserve was enlarged and renamed Mount Rainier Forest Reserve in 1897, preceding the park's establishment.

Mount Rainier National Park was established on March 2, 1899, in Washington state, preserving 236,381 acres including the stratovolcano.

Annie Oakley wrote to President McKinley offering a company of 50 female sharpshooters for potential war service against Spain.

President William McKinley placed Guam under the administration of the United States Department of the Navy in December 1898 for military protection and government.

President William McKinley placed Guam under the administration of the United States Department of the Navy in December 1898 for military protection and government.

Sanford B. Dole traveled to Washington, D.C., in early 1898 to personally urge the annexation of Hawaii by the United States.

The US Congress passed the Newlands Resolution in July 1898 to annex the Republic of Hawaii, bypassing the need for a treaty.

A formal ceremony in Honolulu marked the transfer of Hawaiian state sovereignty to the United States in August 1898.

The USS Charleston entered Apra Harbor on June 20, 1898, commanded by Captain Henry Glass, accompanied by three transports.

The United States captured Guam on June 21, 1898, during the Spanish-American War.

After negotiations failed, President McKinley requested and signed Congress's declaration of war, beginning the Spanish–American War of 1898.

USS Nashville captured four Spanish vessels between 22 April and 26 July 1898, during the opening period of the war.

Congress approved the creation of the grade of Admiral of the Navy on March 2, 1899, authorizing the President to appoint an individual to this unique rank.

A discrepancy between McKinley's nomination term and the legislative act was resolved in 1903, confirming Dewey's appointment retroactively to 1899.

Felipe Agoncillo met President William McKinley in Washington, D.C., on October 1, 1899, to discuss the situation in the Philippines.

Thomas B. Reed resigned from the House in 1899 due to opposition to American imperialism, leaving him politically isolated.

President McKinley established the Schurman Commission on January 20, 1899, to study the situation in the Philippines and make recommendations on U.S. policy following the cession of sovereignty from Spain.

The three civilian members of the commission arrived in Manila on March 4, 1899, a month after the Battle of Manila began armed conflict between U.S. and Filipino forces.

On November 2, 1899, the commission issued a preliminary report containing specific statements regarding the situation in the Philippines.

On April 11, 1899, documents of ratification for the Treaty of Paris were exchanged between President McKinley and Ambassador Cambon, finalizing the treaty's effect.

President McKinley formally received the Duke of Arcos as the new Spanish Minister in the White House.

Commander Taussig landed on Wake Island to formally take possession for the United States under presidential orders.