1896
Republican - and Freemason - William McKinley (1843-1901) ran for president in 1896 and in 1900, winning both times. Supporters used banners like these to promote his candidacy. One of the slogans seen on the banners is "Patriotism, Protection and Prosperity." McKinley had promoted a protective tariff since 1890 when he introduced a tariff bill that became known as the "McKinley Tariff."
McKinley conducted his campaign from his Ohio home in 1896, where he presented speeches to the party delegates who traveled there to hear him. His opponent, Democratic candidate William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925), took to the rails and traveled around the country to address thousands.
Sadly, William McKinley's second term as president was cut short when he was shot by anarchist Leon F. Czolgosz (1873-1901) in Septmber 1901 while shaking hands at a public reception at the Pan-American Exposition. Many souvenirs, like these, were produced to help the American people demonstrate their grief and honor McKinley's memory.