The author sought to show William McKinley (the Major) was one of are most important presidents. As president he did acquire Hawaii. He did appoint Hay as Secretary of State who was largely responsible for our Open Door policy regarding China. On his watch the USA won the Spanish American War and new colonial possessions: the Philippines and Puerto Rico. But I could not see that the Major was that significantly a greater figure than either Hayes, Harrison, or Cleveland, the other a Gilded Age Presidents. ( )