[Sidenote: =Enlists to fight for the Union=] [Sidenote: =Wins praise and promotion=] In 1861 Lincoln's call for troops to save the Union fired the whole North with patriotism. McKinley, though then only eighteen years of age, enlisted at once. Under fire at Antietam and in later battles of the war, he won praise and promotion for his heroic deeds. The active army life was good for him, and when the war was over he was a strong and healthy man. He enlisted as a private and came out as a major. All his promotions were for merit and bravery. [Illustration: WILLIAM McKINLEY _From a photograph by Courtney, taken at Canton, Ohio_] [Sidenote: =Studies law=] He returned to Poland and took up the study of the law. But his means were small and he had a hard struggle. In 1867 McKinley was admitted to the bar and opened an office in Canton, Ohio. [Sidenote: =Becomes a successful lawyer and speaker=] Like many another young lawyer he had numerous difficulties and disappointments, but he worked hard and in time became a successful lawyer. He was a good speaker and soon was much in demand in political campaigns. [Sidenote: =In Congress=] [Sidenote: =Elected president=] The people admired him. They felt that he could be trusted. They sent him, for seven terms, to represent them in Congress at Washington, and twice they made him governor of Ohio. In 1896 he was elected president of the United States. [Sidenote: =The Cubans revolt=] =182. Spanish Persecution in Cuba.= Since the earliest days of Spanish rule, Cuba had been discontented and had engaged in frequent wars with Spain because of heavy taxation and bad government. Again and again the Cubans revolted, but they were not strong enough to succeed and Spanish oppression continued. In 1895 the people rose in a last desperate effort to free themselves. To crush them Spain sent a large army under a cruel general. Large numbers of unarmed Cubans--men, women, and children--were gathered into camps guarded by Spanish soldiers and cut off from food and other supplies. Thousands died of starvation and disease. [Illustration: HOW THE CUBANS FOUGHT _Lying in ambush for the advancing column of the enemy_] [Sidenote: =Americans aroused=] [Sidenote: =Red Cross Society goes to Cuba=] These and other harsh things done in an attempt to break the spirit of the Cubans filled the American people with bitter indignation. On the recommendation of President McKinley, Congress voted fifty thousand dollars for relief work. Money, by private contribution, also flowed in from all parts of the country. The Red Cross Society, led by Clara Barton, hastened to the island to relieve the awful conditions of hunger and disease. [Illustration: GEORGE DEWEY _From a photograph taken in 1900 by Francis B. Johnston, Washington, D.C._]