| • Science | • People | • Locations | • Timeline |
After serving just two terms in the United States House of Representatives, Bryan reached the pinnacle of his political career. In the presidential election of 1896, Bryan defeated incumbent president Grover Cleveland to win the Democratic party nomination for president. Just thirty-six, Bryan managed to attract the support of mainstream Democrats as well as disaffected third party Populists and Free Silverites. His moving "Cross of Gold" speechWilliam Jennings Bryan delivered the Cross of Gold" speech at the convention of the Democratic Party of the United States on July 9, 1896. The Democratic Party stood for easy money and in opposition to the proposed pegging of the value of the United State, delivered prior to his nomination, lambasted Eastern monied classes for supporting the gold standard at the expense of the average worker. Bryan's stance, directly opposing conservative Grover Cleveland, united splintered Democrats and won the handsome "Boy Orator of the Platte" the nomination.
Bryan logged more than 18,000 miles while visiting 27 states in the campaign of 1896. The unpopularity of the incumbent party combined with the Republican candidate's well-filled war chest, catapulted William McKinleyWilliam McKinley Order 25th President Term of Office March 4, 1897 September 14, 1901 Predecessor Grover Cleveland Successor Theodore Roosevelt Date of Birth January 29, 1843 Place of Birth Niles, Ohio Date of Death September 14, 1901 Place of Death Buffa into the White House, by a margin of 271 to 176 in the electoral college. Still, Bryan's following was large enough to result in two additional runs for president. Bryan ran again and lost to McKinley in 19001900 is the common year starting on Monday. see link for calendar) For the film, see 1900 (film). Events January January 1 Nigeria becomes British protectorate January 2 John Hay announces the Open Door Policy to promote trade with China. January 2 Chicag and to William Howard TaftWilliam Howard Taft Order 27th President Term of Office March 4, 1909 March 4, 1913 Predecessor Theodore Roosevelt Successor Woodrow Wilson Date of Birth September 15, 1857 Place of Birth Cincinnati, Ohio Date of Death March 8, 1930 Place of Death Washing in 19081908 is a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). Events January-February January 1 A ball signifying New Year's Day drops in New York City's Times Square for the first time January 8 A train collision occurs in the Park Avenue T.
Although Bryan never won an election after 1892Events January 1 Ellis Island begins accepting immigrants to the United States. January 14 Death of Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, second in line heir to the throne of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Next in line is his younger b, he continued to wield considerable influence. After helping Woodrow WilsonWoodrow Wilson Order 28th President Term of Office Tuesday, March 4, 1913 Friday, March 4, 1921 Predecessor William Howard Taft Successor Warren G. Harding Date of Birth Sunday, December 28, 1856 Place of Birth Staunton, Virginia Date of Death Sunday, Feb secure the Democratic nomination in 1912, he served as secretary of state. A committed pacifist, Bryan resigned on June 9, 1915 over a disagreement regarding his nation's handling of the sinking of the RMS Lusitania and the push toward World War I. He was still physically active, even attempting to join the army when the U.S. entered the World War I in 1917.
Although he moved to a large home in Florida, Bryan never retired. Always pious, during the final years of his life he was extremely active in religious organizations. By the 1920s, Bryan was among America's most outspoken critics of the theory of evolution. Echoing his earlier support of Prohibition, Bryan actively supported a constitutional amendment banning schools from teaching evolution. His participation in the famous 1925 Scopes Trial served as a capstone to his career. Bryan was exhausted by the trial, especially his examination at the hands of Clarence Darrow who, in an unusual move, called Bryan to the stand. Although Bryan prevailed at the trial, he died on July 26, 1925, just five days after its conclusion.