History of William Jennings Bryan

William Jennings Bryan, often dubbed "The Great Commoner" due to his ability to relate to the average American, was a significant figure in American politics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His career as a politician is marked by his formidable oratory skills, progressive policies, and influential role within the Democratic Party, despite never winning the presidency.

Bryan was born in Salem, Illinois, on March 19, 1860. Growing up in a devoutly religious and politically active family, he developed keen interest in public speaking and debate. He attended Illinois College in Jacksonville, where he graduated as valedictorian in 1881, and later earned a law degree from Union Law College in Chicago, now Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. After a brief stint practicing law in Jacksonville, he moved to the burgeoning town of Lincoln, Nebraska in 1887, a decision that would later launch his political career.

In 1890, Bryan entered the political arena by winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat from Nebraska, a position he held for two terms until 1895. During his tenure, he became a staunch advocate for free silver, opposing the gold standard which was a topic of heated debate during that period. He argued that the unlimited coinage of silver would inflate the currency, thereby benefiting farmers and working-class Americans burdened by debt and deflation. His advocacy for free silver rapidly made him a leading voice against the entrenched interests of the Eastern financial elite and an ally of the agrarian populist movement.

Bryan's national prominence soared when he delivered his legendary "Cross of Gold" speech at the 1896 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. With fervor and theatricality, Bryan argued against the gold standard, declaring, "You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold." The speech electrified the audience and secured his nomination as the Democratic candidate for the presidency, making him the youngest major party nominee in U.S. history at the age of 36.

The 1896 presidential campaign was one of the most heated in American history. Bryan embarked on an exhaustive whistle-stop tour, traveling thousands of miles and delivering hundreds of speeches directly to the people. Despite his efforts and charisma, he faced formidable opposition from Republican candidate William McKinley, whose campaign was well-funded by industrial capitalists and business interests. Eventually, Bryan lost the election, receiving 47% of the popular vote to McKinley’s 51%, and 176 electoral votes to McKinley's 271.

Undeterred, Bryan remained a central figure in the Democratic Party and was renominated in 1900, and again in 1908. His 1900 campaign once more centered on free silver, although by that time the issue had largely faded from public concern due to improved economic conditions. In the 1908 election, Bryan shifted his focus to progressive issues, advocating for labor rights, expanded democracy through direct election of senators, and regulation of corporations. However, he was defeated both times by strong Republican opponents, McKinley in 1900 and William Howard Taft in 1908.

Despite these setbacks, Bryan was far from finished with his political career. He remained active, becoming a champion of progressive causes through his influential role as editor of the "Commoner", a weekly political newspaper he founded in 1901. In 1912, he played a critical role at the Democratic National Convention by throwing his support behind Woodrow Wilson, who ultimately won the presidency.

In recognition of his support, President Wilson appointed Bryan as Secretary of State. During his tenure from 1913 to 1915, Bryan focused on promoting peace and mediating international disputes through a series of treaties. However, he resigned in 1915, driven by his pacifist convictions and opposition to Wilson’s policies that he felt were leading the nation towards involvement in World War I.

Later in life, Bryan became a figure of controversy for his staunch criticisms of Darwin’s theory of evolution, culminating in his involvement in the famous Scopes "Monkey" Trial in 1925. Bryan served as prosecutor in the case against John T. Scopes, a Tennessee teacher accused of teaching evolution, reflecting his enduring commitment to religious values. He died five days after the trial concluded, on July 26, 1925.

William Jennings Bryan's political legacy is characterized by his profound impact on the Democratic Party and progressive reforms in America. Though he never attained the presidency, his advocacy for populism, social justice, and economic reform paved the way for future generations of progressive leaders. His life and career remain a testament to the power of oratory and the influence of idealism in American politics.