Was McKinley a decisive leader intent on overseas expansion or a weaker figure guided by public opinion?

William McKinley is often viewed as a leader who balanced decisiveness with sensitivity to public opinion. While he initially hesitated on issues of overseas expansion, events such as the Spanish-American War showcased his willingness to engage in aggressive foreign policy when public sentiment shifted. Ultimately, McKinley’s actions reflected a combination of strategic intent and responsiveness to the growing national appetite for expansion, making him a complex figure in American history.