McKinley was a highly respected president who was committed to the betterment of American society. As a result of his presidency, America gained control over the Caribbean, Pacific, and Asian areas. In addition to imperialistic advances, McKinley was instrumental in maintaining the success of American industry through the use of various tariffs. These successes ensured that McKinley won re-election, but just six months into his second term, Czolgosz assassinated him. The assassination forced America into a period of anxiety. Although McKinley was successful as president, citizens felt unsure about the country's future direction. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt had proven himself a capable military leader, but he had little more experience than his predecessor. Since McKinley was the third president assassinated in the last fifty years, Roosevelt recognized that he was taking office during one of America's most pivotal periods.