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American History Tellers

Encore: Presidential Assassinations | Anarchist at the Exposition | 3

Aug 21, 2024
Leon Czolgosz, an embittered Polish-American laborer and anarchist, discusses his radicalized journey leading to the assassination attempt on President William McKinley in 1901. The podcast highlights the tense environment at the Pan-American Exposition and the urgent efforts of surgeons to save McKinley's life. Czolgosz's transformation from despair to defiance reflects the struggles of the working class amidst economic unrest. The episode also examines the widespread crackdown on the anarchist movement following the assassination attempt.
36:22

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The assassination of President McKinley by Leon Czolgosz exposed the social and economic tensions fueling radical movements in early 20th century America.
  • McKinley's shooting led to critical shortcomings in emergency medical care, emphasizing the need for adequate facilities during national crises.

Deep dives

The Urgency of the Call

In September 1901, renowned surgeon Dr. Roswell Park was unexpectedly interrupted during a crucial surgical procedure to attend to President William McKinley, who had been shot. The urgency of the situation reflects the gravity of McKinley's condition as he was gravely wounded while attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. Park had to quickly finish his operation, illustrating the pressure and responsibilities faced by surgeons, especially when national figures are involved. The call underscored a pivotal moment in American history, linking an ordinary surgical scenario to the fate of the nation.

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