Who was the U.S. President during the Spanish-American War who was assassinated in 1901?

William McKinley served as the U.S. President during the Spanish-American War, which occurred in 1898. His leadership during this conflict was pivotal, as the war marked the emergence of the United States as a global power following its victory over Spain. The war resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S., including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Tragically, McKinley was assassinated in 1901, shortly after the end of the war. This assassination had profound implications for U.S. politics and foreign policy, leading to Theodore Roosevelt, McKinley’s vice president, assuming the presidency. Roosevelt’s administration continued many of McKinley’s policies, further establishing American influence in world affairs.

The other Presidents listed either came to office after McKinley (such as Roosevelt, who succeeded him, and Wilson, who took office later) or were not involved in the Spanish-American War period at all (like Harding, whose presidency occurred in the 1920s). Thus, McKinley is accurately identified as both the President during the war and the one who was assassinated shortly thereafter.