William Jennings Bryan

Hall of Fame Presentation

Young Life

• I was born in Southern Illinois in March of 1860 into an extremely religious family.

• Education played a large role in my life, so I moved from my family at age 14 in order to further my education.

• I then moved to Chicago to attend law school.

The Big Move

After passing the bar exam I was married and moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. It was here that I began my life as an orator and political figure.

BEGINNING A CAREER IN POLITICS In 1890 I was elected into

Congress, and then in 1892 I was reelected.

Worked for Omaha World-Herald while becoming a well renowned orator

In 1896 I presented the Cross of Gold speech making a name for myself in the Democratic Party.

In the 1896 elections I ran for the Democrat party using new tactics for promotion.

Military Experience

I volunteered for combat in the Spanish-American War

Following the war I gave a speech asking what gave America the right to over power other countries for the sake of war.

In the 1900 election I ran as an anti-imperialist thus finding myself in alliances such as Carnegie.

After the 1908 presidential elections I realized that my time could be better spent and decided to concentrate more on my speeches.

The Other Elections

Chautauqua circuit

• For the next twelve years I spent all of my time giving speeches all over the country mostly on religion and the Darwinian theory.

• While associated with this group I was able to again become very involved in my religion.

The Commoner

I created a weekly magazine that I used to speak to Democrats, advising them to regulate the railroads more tightly and support the Progressive Movement.

Fight For My Beliefs In 1912 I assist Wilson

in his presidential campaign, so when elected he nominated me as Secretary of State.

In two years when Wilson’s desire to enter WWI came up I resigned because of my beliefs and continued my work in the chautauqua circuit.

Scopes Trial

The Scopes Trial was my most important trail, and one I felt very passionately about.

At the end of the trial scopes was found guilty.

The End