Steven Bogart
DB5
Illinois born Protestant believing democrat William Jennings Bryan was a political
speaker whom raced for presidency from 1887 to 1912. Jennings moved to Nebraska and
continued to work toward his goal of becoming president. In 1890 Bryan was elected into
congress which became a huge stepping stone for his career. In 1892, Bryan was reelected and
continued toward his political goals. At age 34, Bryan gave a speech fighting for the state
populist party, called the Cross of Gold. This speech spoke about his support against
monopolistic views and support for agriculture. During the election of 1896 Bryan lost by the
largest margin since the civil war. After this defeat, Bryan was nominated again in 1900 in which
he fought again for what he believed in and lost in 1908 to William Taft. Supporters believe it is
due to his bias of the rural population and his disregard to the urban community. After Bryans
loss in 1908, William decided to open a newspaper called The Commoner in which he took to his
press to preach his beliefs in inflation and many other topics which he campaigned for in recent
years. In 1912, Bryan lost again and this is when he decided to support Woodrow Wilson who
finally won the election. After Wilsons win, Bryan was named secretary of state. In 1914 the
European war escalated when Wilson and Bryan remained Neutral. This was not the case when
Wilson protested Germany and Bryan resigned. Bryan Continued campaigning and preaching his
beliefs in the political sector. Although Bryan never became president, he continued to fight for
what he believed in and did what he could to influence and make a positive impact on his
country.