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'''William Jennings Bryan''' (1860-1925) was a populist three-time [[Democratic]] presidential nominee, known as "The Great Commoner" due to his strong political support for farmers and laborers. <ref>http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/aa/bryan</ref> He was notable for advocating that the United States drop the [[gold standard]] and switch to the inflationary silver standard, a move designed to help farmers and hurt big business.
In 1896, Bryan delivered one of the most riveting speeches in all of American history, known as the "Cross of Gold" speech. A phenomenal orator, Bryan galvanized the national political convention at the young age of only 36. He His speech almost single-handedly united the Democratic and Populist parties, thereby laying the foundation for what became the modern [[Democratic Party]].
<blockquote>''Having behind us the producing masses of this nation and the world, supported by the commercial interests, the laboring interests and the toilers everywhere, we will answer their demand for a gold standard by saying to them: You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns, you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold.''</blockquote>
Bryan was (along with [[Woodrow Wilson]]) the nost most prominent Democrat in the [[Progressive Era]], and was a leader in many progressive causes, such as anti-trust, peace and prohibition.
He served as Secretary of State during the Administration of President [[Woodrow Wilson]], and resigned based on his principled opposition to American involvement in [[World War I]].
