Final answer:
The reelection of William McKinley in 1900 indicated that the American public generally supported his administration's imperial policies and expansionist agenda, valuing the perceived economic and strategic benefits despite the existence of opposition and debates over the nation's international role.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reelection of President William McKinley in 1900 can be interpreted as an endorsement of his administration's imperial policies by the American electorate. With the acquisition of overseas territories such as the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico following the Spanish-American War, the United States had increased its presence in international affairs. McKinley’s victory suggested that a majority of American voters favored the expansionist policies that were believed to promote US industry and commerce growth.
McKinley and his supporters, like his vice presidential running mate Teddy Roosevelt and Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, saw the strategic and economic value in holding onto the Philippines. This was contrasted by figures like William Jennings Bryan, who condemned imperialism as contrary to American ideals of liberty and democracy. The close election result indicated that while there was significant opposition to American expansionism, such as the efforts of the Anti-Imperialist League, the public largely supported pro-business policies and perceived benefits of imperialism.
Despite an initial reluctance, McKinley had acceded to pressures to extend American influence overseas, motivated by economic opportunities, strategic interests, and a paternalistic view that the Filipinos were not ready for self-rule. His reelection was seen as a validation of these imperialistic ventures, despite the debates and dissent over America's new role on the world stage.