William Jennings Bryan Quotes
A collection of quotes by William Jennings Bryan.
William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925) was an American lawyer, politician, and orator who played a significant role in shaping American politics in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Salem, Illinois, Bryan grew up in a religious family and studied law after obtaining his undergraduate degree.
Bryan soared to national prominence as a skilled public speaker known for his impassioned speeches advocating for the common people and progressive causes. He served as a Democratic congressman from Nebraska from 1891 to 1895 and then as the United States Secretary of State under President Woodrow Wilson from 1913 to 1915.
However, Bryan is most famously remembered for his three unsuccessful bids for the presidency. As the Democratic Party's nominee, he ran for president in 1896, 1900, and 1908, campaigning on a platform that championed populism, free silver, and progressive reforms. Though he lost each time, his influence was substantial, significantly shaping the Democratic Party's stance on economic and social issues.
Outside of politics, Bryan was also a strong advocate for causes such as prohibition, women's suffrage, and religious fundamentalism. He was an ardent supporter of the prosecution in the famous Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925, which focused on the teaching of evolution in public schools.
William Jennings Bryan passed away later that same year, leaving behind a complex legacy as a prominent politician, orator, and populist figure in American history.
