The Assassination of President William McKinley


Halstead, Murat (1901). The Illustrious Life of William McKinley, Our Martyred President.
These pictures of McKinley assassin Leon Czolgosz were taken shortly after his arrest. In the background is an artist's rendition of the weapon used.

Halstead, Murat (1901). The Illustrious Life of William McKinley, Our Martyred President.
Another picture of Leon Czolgosz.

Halstead, Murat (1901). The Illustrious Life of William McKinley, Our Martyred President.
This is a drawing of the assassination scene, showing Czolgosz, with his hand wrapped concealing his weapon, approaching the president, ostensibly for a handshake. Also pictured are the several Secret Service agents assigned to McKinley's protection.

Halstead, Murat (1901). The Illustrious Life of William McKinley, Our Martyred President.
Much of the public outrage about the event was centered upon Emma Goldman, of whom Czolgosz claimed to be a disciple. Though she was never directly linked to the crime, public opinion turned sharply against anarchy as a result of this event, and of her refusal to speak out against the assassination.

Halstead, Murat (1901). The Illustrious Life of William McKinley, Our Martyred President.
This shows the extent of the fear shown of anarchy at this time. The caption, "Time to Draw and Strike," says it all; the snake is labelled "Anarchism" and the lofted sword is marked as "Military Law."
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This page prepared by J. Nathaniel Sloan for the Anarchy Archives and Political Studies 155, at Pitzer College, with Professor Dana Ward.