William Jennings Bryan - The Ideal Republic

William Jennings Bryan (March 19, 1860 -- July 26, 1925) was the Democratic Party nominee for President of the United States in 1896, 1900, 1908, a lawyer, and the 41st United States Secretary of State under President Woodrow Wilson. One of the most popular speakers in American history, he was noted for a deep, commanding voice. Bryan was a devout Presbyterian, an outspoken supporter of popular democracy, an outspoken critic of banks and railroads, a leader of the silverite movement in the 1890s, a leading figure in the Democratic Party, a peace advocate, a prohibitionist, an opponent of Social Darwinism, and one of the most prominent leaders of Populism in late 19th- and early 20th century. Because of his faith in the goodness and rightness of the common people, he was called "The Great Commoner." In the intensely fought 1896 election and 1900 election, he was defeated by William McKinley but retained control of the Democratic Party. For presidential candidates, Bryan invented the national stumping tour. In his three presidential bids, he promoted Free Silver in 1896, anti-imperialism in 1900, and trust-busting in 1908, calling on Democrats, in cases where corporations are protected, to renounce states rights to fight the trusts and big banks, and embrace populist ideas. President Woodrow Wilson appointed him Secretary of State in 1913, but Wilson's handling of the Lusitania crisis in 1915 caused Bryan to resign in protest. He was a strong supporter of Prohibition in the 1920s, but is probably best known for his crusade against Darwinism, which culminated in the Scopes Trial in 1925. Five days after the case was decided, he died in his sleep

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[Johnabraytis]

I know it's a little late, but let me say: Bryan for president! This speech is of unsurpassing beauty. And he was a Democrat!

[grapesac]

this is my great great grandfather, crazy how he looks identical to my father

[georgeofthajungle]

@Rommelmxm you know the word nigger didn't hold the derogatory weight it does today right?

[Rommelmxm]

@grapesac that cracker was a racist.

he said "Think of it-- niggers speaking French!" --secretary of State William Jennings Bryan, briefed on the Haitian situation

[YoTengoCorazon]

William Jennings Bryan was a fine man and spoke for millions of Americans who were otherwise ignored. In many ways, he was the man who shaped the modern Democratic Party as the party of the common man. However, he refused to acknowledge the plight of African Americans and at the 1924 Democratic Convention refused to support a party plank condemning the Ku Klux Klan.

[tndrlytastefully]

@grapesac We must be related!!



[divinegod102]

One nation under bigotry. 

[OutaSynch]

@Svperstarr You make the case for the fact that Democrats don't have any original thoughts and don't ponder any issue to any depth. They only regurgitate platitudes and soundbites that have been fed to them by their slave masters. See the prophetic video entitled "Make Mine Freedom ~ 1948" if you would like an education in reality... or, you can continue to be one of the ma-a-a-a-a-sses of sheeple that would rather watch American Idol and ESPN.

[loopstreet]

We must go beyond political party historical differences and UNITE as ONE NATION, adopting a TEAM SPIRIT for INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM and Sovereignty as a REPUBLIC for the PEOPLE. ((( Adopt This attitude ))) This speech is GREAT!!!

[leveractionlover93]

@Johnabraytis you realize that democrats back then were southern racists. the parties of today are completely different than that of his time period. Republicans were reformers, if you like the fact that he was a democrat back then you are obviously a conservative now because his supporters were farmers and city laborers, 'blue collar' men who support Republicans now.

[Svperstarr]

@DracoMalfoy87 Unless you are a multi-millionaire or billionaire progressive politics make a lot more sense then conservative, the only thing conservatives stand for is giving the richest 1% of the population more money. That is all.

[KirbySonicTeam]

that is my 4rth cousin

dont belive me you dont have to

as long as i believe it