William Jennings Bryan Autograph

Profession:
(1860-1925) member of the United States House of Representatives from Nebraska and was the 41st United States Secretary of State

Year of Birth: 1860

William Jennings Bryan was an American politician who served in the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, and ran for president three times. He was born in Salem, Illinois, on March 19, 1860 to Silas Lillard Bryan and Mariah Elizabeth Jennings. He graduated from Illinois College in 1881 and was admitted to the bar the same year.

Bryan's political career began when he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1890. He served as a Democrat for the state of Nebraska and was re-elected in 1892. During his time in Congress, he developed a reputation as an outspoken advocate for free silver, a proposal to increase the amount of money in circulation by increasing the amount of silver coins that could be exchanged for paper money. He was also a strong proponent of the Populist Party's platform, which included a call for government regulation of businesses, progressive taxation, and an expansion of the money supply.

In 1896, Bryan ran for president as the Democratic candidate, but lost to William McKinley. He ran again in 1900 and 1908, but was unsuccessful both times. Nevertheless, he remained active in politics until his death in 1925. His legacy is still felt today, as his advocacy for free silver and other progressive causes has been credited as a major influence in the development of the modern American progressive movement.

In addition to his political career, Bryan was also an accomplished orator. He gained fame for his passionate speeches and his skill at commanding an audience. He was known for his electrifying addresses, including his famous "Cross of Gold" speech, which was delivered at the 1896 Democratic National Convention. The speech was so powerful that it helped him secure the nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate.

Bryan was a strong proponent of social justice and civil rights, and was an advocate for the rights of women and African Americans. He was also an early supporter of the movement for the prohibition of alcohol. He was a leader of the Temperance movement and a vocal proponent of the Eighteenth Amendment, which outlawed the sale of alcohol in the United States.

William Jennings Bryan was a tireless advocate for progressive causes and a powerful orator. His legacy as an influential political leader and a champion of the people continues to this day.