25th President: William McKinley

(Remember that Grover Cleveland is considered America's 22nd and 24th president.)

William McKinley is considered the president to begin "U.S. expansionism," one of—if not the main—reason the United States had/has territories as well as states. The Philippines were given their independence after WWII, but apart from that this country still has territories that were claimed during McKinley's presidency. This is, admittedly, one of the more controversial topics of McKinley's presidential service.

It was also during his time that the modern era began, and with it modern politics. McKinley was the one to lead the nation into the 20th century.

I am grateful for William McKinley.