William Jennings Bryan

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William Jennings Bryan (March 19, 1860 – July 26, 1925) was an American orator and politician. He emerged as a dominant force in the Democratic Party, standing three times as the party's nominee for President of the United States in 1896, 1900, and 1908. Bryan served as the 41st United States Secretary of State under President Woodrow Wilson from 1913 to 1915.

Early Life and Education

Bryan was born in Salem, Illinois, to Silas Lillard Bryan and Mariah Elizabeth Jennings Bryan. He attended Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois, where he graduated as valedictorian in 1881. He later studied law at Union College of Law in Chicago, now known as Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.

Political Career

Bryan began his political career as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Nebraska's 1st congressional district, serving from 1891 to 1895. He gained national fame for his "Cross of Gold" speech at the 1896 Democratic National Convention, advocating for bimetallism and opposing the gold standard.

Presidential Campaigns

Bryan was the Democratic nominee for president in 1896, 1900, and 1908. Although he lost all three elections, he remained an influential figure in the party. His campaigns were noted for their progressive stances on issues such as income tax, direct election of Senators, and women's suffrage.

Secretary of State

As Secretary of State under President Wilson, Bryan was a strong advocate for peace and opposed American entry into World War I. He resigned in 1915 over disagreements with Wilson's handling of the Lusitania crisis.

Later Life and Legacy

In his later years, Bryan became a prominent figure in the temperance movement and was a key player in the Scopes Trial of 1925, where he argued against the teaching of evolution in public schools. He died shortly after the trial in Dayton, Tennessee.

Related Pages

• Democratic Party (United States)
• United States presidential election, 1896
• United States presidential election, 1900
• United States presidential election, 1908
• Woodrow Wilson
• Scopes Trial
• Temperance movement