William McKinley Quotes


I am glad that we are demonstrating in the United States to-day that the boy should have no more advantage than the girl.


Context

Mount Holyoke College was one of the finest women’s colleges. This line drew applause, although as we look back on it, the statement seems hypocritical. Women at the time could not vote and in some states even own property. They could not serve in the military and were barred from most executive and technical jobs, government as well as private. President McKinley was not a public advocate for women’s rights or equality. He was however, at least in favor of higher education for women—something which many politicians opposed at the time.


Citations

William McKinley, 1843-1901, 25th President of the United States (Republican, OH), Speech, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, June 20, 1899

Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations

Related Quotes

William McKinley
William McKinley
  • Born: January 29, 1843
  • Died: September 14, 1901
  • Nationality: American
  • Profession: President

William McKinley was the 25th president of the United States, serving from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. McKinley was president during the Spanish–American War of 1898, raised protective tariffs to boost American industry, and rejected the expansionary monetary policy of free silver, keeping the nation on the gold standard.