The McKinley and Roosevelt Administrations 1897-1909.

RHODES, James Ford [William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt].

$975.00

Item Number: 139557

New York: The Macmillan Company, 1922.

First edition of Rhodes’ authoritative work on the McKinley and Roosevelt Administrations. Octavo, bound in full morocco by Zaehnsdorf, gilt titles and ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt, illustrated. In fine condition.

The presidency of William McKinley began on March 4, 1897, when McKinley was inaugurated and ended on September 14, 1901, upon his assassination. A longtime Republican, McKinley is best known for conducting the successful Spanish–American War (1898), freeing Cuba from Spain; taking ownership of the Republic of Hawaii; and purchasing the Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico. Theodore Roosevelt assumed the presidency at age 42, following McKinley's assassination, and remains the youngest person to become president of the United States. As a leader of the progressive movement he championed his "Square Deal" domestic policies. It called for fairness for all citizens, breaking of bad trusts, regulation of railroads, and pure food and drugs. Roosevelt prioritized conservation and established national parks, forests, and monuments to preserve the nation's natural resources. In foreign policy, he focused on Central America, where he began construction of the Panama Canal. Roosevelt expanded the Navy and sent the Great White Fleet on a world tour to project American naval power. His successful efforts to broker the end of the Russo-Japanese War won him the 1906 Nobel Peace Prize. Roosevelt was elected to a full term in 1904 and promoted policies more to the left, despite growing opposition from Republican leaders. He groomed his close ally William Howard Taft to succeed him in the 1908 presidential election.