"Lively, definitive, eye-opening, [this book] by acclaimed historian Robert W. Merry brilliantly evokes the life and presidency of William McKinley, cut short by an assassin. Most often lost in the shadow of his brilliant and flamboyant successor, TR, the twenty-fifth president is presented by Merry as a transformative figure, the first modern Republican. It was President McKinley who established the United States as an imperial power. In the Spanish-American War he kicked Spain out of the Caribbean; in the Pacific he acquired Hawaii and the Philippines through war and diplomacy; he took the country to a strict gold standard; he developed the doctrine of 'fair trade'; he forced the 'Open Door' to China; and he forged the 'special relationship' with Great Britain. McKinley established the noncolonial imperialism that took America global. He set the stage for the bold leadership of Theodore Roosevelt, who built on his accomplishments. [This book] brings to life a sympathetic man and an often overlooked president. Merry raises his rank to a chief executive of consequence who paved the way for the American Century."--Jacket.

Introduction -- 1. Ohio roots -- 2. The forge of war -- 3. Life and work -- 4. The Ohio Republicans -- 5. Steadfast protectionist --6. Four years in Columbus -- 7. The Major versus the bosses -- 8. St. Louis triumph -- 9. The victor -- 10. Building a cabinet -- 11. Inauguration Day -- 12. Taking charge -- 13. White House life -- 14. Cuba -- 15. Year-end assessment -- 16. America and Spain -- 17. Path to war -- 18. Victory at sea -- 19. The Caribbean War -- 20. End of hostilities -- 21. Empire -- 22. War's aftermath -- 23. Aguinaldo -- 24. Second-term question -- 25. Second-term resolve -- 26. China -- 27. Reelection -- 28. Family and nation -- 29. Buffalo -- Epilogue.