Presidential election
1900 presidential election
William McKinley defeated William Jennings Bryan, winning 292 of 447 electoral votes and 51.6% of the popular vote.
Results
73.2%
Turnout rate
14.0M
Total votes cast
15.1M
Eligible voters
| State | Electoral votes | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York(NY) | 36 | RepublicanMcKinley | +11.7% |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 32 | RepublicanMcKinley | +19.7% |
| Ohio(OH) | 23 | RepublicanMcKinley | +5.1% |
| Illinois(IL) | 24 | RepublicanMcKinley | +10.3% |
| Nebraska(NE) | 8 | DemocraticBryan | +1.8% |
Candidates
Party
RepublicanRunning mate
Theodore Roosevelt
Home state
Ohio
Age at election
57
Previous position
25th President of the United States (Incumbent)
Campaign slogan
"Four More Years of the Full Dinner Pail"
Popular vote
7.2M
(51.6%)
Electoral votes
292
Party
DemocraticRunning mate
Adlai Stevenson I
Home state
Nebraska
Age at election
40
Previous position
Former U.S. Representative from Nebraska
Campaign slogan
"Anti-Imperialism and Free Silver"
Popular vote
6.4M
(45.5%)
Electoral votes
155
Urban Workers
McKinley
56%
Industrial States
McKinley
55%
Western States
Bryan
52%
Key events
Spanish-American War Victory
U.S. acquired Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam
Gold Standard Act
Formally established gold standard
Issues & context
Rematch of 1896. McKinley campaigned on prosperity and 'full dinner pail.' Bryan added anti-imperialism to silver issue. Spanish-American War made U.S. world power. McKinley assassinated in 1901.
Strong prosperity. Gold discoveries eased currency shortage. Industrial expansion continued. 'Full dinner pail' symbolized good times.
McKinley popular with improving economy. Bryan still dynamic but silver issue losing urgency. TR added energy to ticket. Imperialism debate didn't resonate.
McKinley assassinated 1901; TR became president. Progressive Era began. American imperialism established. Republican dominance continued.
Did you know?
- 1.McKinley assassinated less than a year after reelection
- 2.TR added to ticket to get him out of New York politics
- 3.Second Bryan-McKinley matchup
- 4.McKinley improved on 1896 margin
- 5.Last 'full dinner pail' prosperity message