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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. | | '''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. |
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| − | 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 speech almost single-handedly united the Democratic and Populist parties, thereby laying the foundation for what became the modern [[Democratic Party]]. | + | 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. His speech almost single-handedly united the Democratic and Populist parties, thereby laying the foundation for what became the modern [[Democratic Party]]. |
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| | <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> | | <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> |
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| − | Bryan was (along with [[Woodrow Wilson]]) the nost prominent Democrat in the [[Progressive Era]], and was a leader in many progressive causes, such as anti-trust, peace and prohibition. | + | Bryan was (along with [[Woodrow Wilson]]) the most prominent Democrat in the [[Progressive Era]], and was a leader in many progressive causes, such as anti-trust, peace and prohibition. |
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| | 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]]. | | 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]]. |