Book Review: William McKinley by Kevin Phillips
In the American Presidents Series biography of William McKinley, author Kevin Phillips bases his concise (156 page) biography of the 25th President of the United States on the premise that the subject of his book is perhaps the most under-rated of all the Presidents, and that rather than being placed in the second tier of chief executives, McKinley really belongs in the upper echelon. In particular, Phillips makes a compelling case that most, if not all of the accomplishments attributed to Theodore Roosevelt were really accomplishments begun on McKinley's watch, conceived in his mind, seeds that he planted and watered, but which an assassin's bullet prevented the likeable Ohioan from seeing to fruition. He argues that McKinley's amiable nature caused many, both contemporaries and historians, to underestimate and devalue the man's abilities, skills, foresight and accomplishments. He directly challenges other historians who Phillips believes fail to give McKinley the full measure of his due.
Phillips paints a picture of William McKinley as a moral and religious man, a loving husband, a courageous soldier, a grieving parent, and an even-tempered leader, who is able to rise above political differences and who puts principles ahead of politics. He tells us of McKinley's reluctance to send soldiers off to war, being the last of the civil war vets to serve as president. He also describes McKinley as a president gifted with an ability to bridge sectional differences, to select quality individuals for his cabinet and other important positions, and who gathers all of the important and relevant information before making important decisions, not because he is a ditherer, but because he was someone who wanted to get it right. Phillips gives concrete and specific examples of all of these qualities.
Phillips tells us about how was McKinley was ahead of his time as a wartime president, utilizing new technologies like the telegraph and telephone in what was then a state of the art situation room. He also makes the case for McKinley being perhaps the most knowledgeable president ever on the subject tariffs and trade. He also gives a compelling defense for McKinley's change of heart (what modern spin doctors would call a "flip-flop") on the subject of bimetallism and explains why each position taken by McKinley was the correct one at the times that he espoused them.
At first, one wonders if this is a case of hero worship and if the author may have lost his objectivity for the subject. But by the end of the book, it is hard to disagree with the author's conclusions and the foundations on which they are based. It is also difficult for the reader to disagree with Phillips that the humble McKinley was someone more concerned with results than personal accolades, and someone deserving of a higher stature in presidential rankings. This book is a fine collection of passion and intellect, and Kevin Phillips makes his admiration for his subject contagious for the reader. I give this four and a half out of five stars.
Phillips paints a picture of William McKinley as a moral and religious man, a loving husband, a courageous soldier, a grieving parent, and an even-tempered leader, who is able to rise above political differences and who puts principles ahead of politics. He tells us of McKinley's reluctance to send soldiers off to war, being the last of the civil war vets to serve as president. He also describes McKinley as a president gifted with an ability to bridge sectional differences, to select quality individuals for his cabinet and other important positions, and who gathers all of the important and relevant information before making important decisions, not because he is a ditherer, but because he was someone who wanted to get it right. Phillips gives concrete and specific examples of all of these qualities.
Phillips tells us about how was McKinley was ahead of his time as a wartime president, utilizing new technologies like the telegraph and telephone in what was then a state of the art situation room. He also makes the case for McKinley being perhaps the most knowledgeable president ever on the subject tariffs and trade. He also gives a compelling defense for McKinley's change of heart (what modern spin doctors would call a "flip-flop") on the subject of bimetallism and explains why each position taken by McKinley was the correct one at the times that he espoused them.
At first, one wonders if this is a case of hero worship and if the author may have lost his objectivity for the subject. But by the end of the book, it is hard to disagree with the author's conclusions and the foundations on which they are based. It is also difficult for the reader to disagree with Phillips that the humble McKinley was someone more concerned with results than personal accolades, and someone deserving of a higher stature in presidential rankings. This book is a fine collection of passion and intellect, and Kevin Phillips makes his admiration for his subject contagious for the reader. I give this four and a half out of five stars.