Assassination of William McKinley facts for kids
William McKinley was the 25th President of the United States. On September 6, 1901, he was shot while visiting the Temple of Music. This building was part of the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York.
President McKinley was shaking hands with people when a man named Leon Czolgosz shot him. Czolgosz believed in something called anarchism. This was a political idea that meant he did not believe in any government.
The President died eight days later, on September 14, from his bullet wounds. He was 58 years old. Czolgosz said he shot the president to promote his anarchist beliefs.
Less than two months later, Czolgosz was executed on October 29, 1901. After McKinley's death, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt became the 26th President of the United States.
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What Happened to President McKinley?
President McKinley was a popular leader. He was visiting the Pan-American Exposition, a big world's fair, in Buffalo, New York. On September 6, 1901, he attended a public reception. This was a chance for people to meet and shake hands with the President.
While greeting the public, a man named Leon Czolgosz approached him. Czolgosz had a gun hidden in his hand. He fired two shots at President McKinley.
The Pan-American Exposition
The Pan-American Exposition was a huge event. It showed off new inventions and cultures from North and South America. Many people came to visit the fair.
President McKinley was there to give speeches and meet visitors. He was a very friendly president. He enjoyed meeting people face-to-face.
Who Was Leon Czolgosz?
Leon Czolgosz was a young man who worked in factories. He became interested in political ideas like anarchism. Anarchists believe that all forms of government are bad. They think people should live without rulers or laws.
Czolgosz believed that by hurting a powerful leader, he could help his cause. He saw President McKinley as a symbol of the government he disliked.
After the Shooting
After he was shot, President McKinley was taken to a hospital at the Exposition. Doctors tried their best to save him. For a few days, it seemed like he might get better.
However, his condition worsened. On September 14, 1901, President McKinley passed away. His death shocked the entire country.
The Nation Mourns
People across the United States were very sad about President McKinley's death. He was the third U.S. president to be assassinated. The other two were Abraham Lincoln and James A. Garfield.
Many people attended his funeral. Tributes poured in from around the world. The country grieved for its lost leader.
The New President
After President McKinley died, Theodore Roosevelt became president. He was only 42 years old. This made him the youngest president in U.S. history at that time.
Roosevelt had been McKinley's Vice President. He took the oath of office quickly. He promised to continue McKinley's work for the country.
Images for kids
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Leon Czolgosz
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William McKinley (to the left of center, with white shirtfront) delivers his final speech.
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President McKinley arrives at the Temple of Music
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The operating room at the Exposition hospital
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Senator Mark Hanna (left), friend of President McKinley, arriving at the Milburn House after the shooting
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Milburn residence, where McKinley died
See also
In Spanish: Asesinato de William McKinley para niños
