M William McKinley

William McKinley (1843–1901), the 25th President (1897–1901), led the nation into the 20th century. He presided over the Spanish–American War in 1898, which ended in a quick victory and gave the U.S. overseas territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines). McKinley’s tenure was marked by economic growth and high tariffs that protected American industry, until he was assassinated in his second term.

Interesting anecdote: McKinley’s trademark was wearing a red carnation on his lapel as a good-luck charm. Tragically, at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, he gave his carnation to a young admirer just minutes before an assassin shot him. After his death, the red carnation became Ohio’s state flower in his memory.