Why is William Jennings Bryan important to U.S. history?

Bryan represents a very strong strain in American politics: the populist who had a genuine concern for the farmer and the small town American. read more

Born in Illinois, William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925) became a Nebraska congressman in 1890. He starred at the 1896 Democratic convention with his Cross of Gold speech that favored free silver, but was defeated in his bid to become U.S. president by William McKinley. read more

Bryan was a staunch supporter of neutrality at the outbreak of World War I. He later resigned his office in protest over Wilson`s actions following the sinking of the Lusitania. William Jennings Bryan remained active in a variety of causes, including peace, women`s suffrage, prohibition, and Christian fundamentalism. read more