Who was the president known for annexing Hawaii and for involvement in the Spanish-American War?

William McKinley is recognized for his pivotal role in the annexation of Hawaii as well as his involvement in the Spanish-American War. During his presidency, which lasted from 1897 until his assassination in 1901, McKinley supported the formal annexation of Hawaii in 1898, an event that expanded American territory in the Pacific and was significant for military and economic reasons.

Moreover, the Spanish-American War occurred in 1898 under his leadership, marking a crucial point where the United States expanded its influence internationally. This conflict resulted in the U.S. gaining control over territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, establishing America as an imperial power. McKinley's foreign policy decision to engage in the war was largely driven by factors such as humanitarian concerns for Cuba, the strategic interest in the Philippines, and the desire to display American strength on the global stage.

While Theodore Roosevelt and other presidents also played important roles in U.S. history, their actions related to Hawaii and the Spanish-American War specifically tie closely to McKinley’s presidency.