Bryan's major role in the 1896 presidential election
William Jennings Bryan was a radical, highly recognized and oftencriticized candidate representing the democratic and people's party in theelection of 1896. His major role during the 1896 election was that ofrepresentative of the common people. Bryan argued for the benefit of allmen as equals, whether farmers, laborers, urban or rural professionals,black or white, his interests lie in the common good of all. Bryanadvocated for a government that would truly serve the people, and not justspecific "causes" or premises. His strongest platform was support of amonetary move from a gold standard to a dual monetary system where gold andsilver backed the American dollar. His ideas were supported by many, buthis methods were considered non-mainstream and he was often criticized forhis unconventional methods. Bryan was unpopular on many levels because hetook a very loud and active stand on many issues that were controversialand somewhat unpopular. Some of his issues included support for amendmentsthat would establish prohibition and women's suffrage (CHI, 2003). He alsoencouraged the establishment of a Department of Labor, and was working onreforming currency issues (CHI, 2003). The currency issue bec
He was beat by his republican opponent at the time, McKinley,however Bryan continued to advocate for his ideals and promote a society ofpeople that worked for a common cause and good. Bryan believed that a silver standard insteadof a gold standard of currency would be fairer to the "common people" ofAmerica. Bryan was considered radical inhis ways. He argued for Americans to stand up and stand together for onecause. Bryan therefore, took on an evenmore radical tactic, and began speaking to people across the country fromunconventional places, such as the backs of railroad cards, touring thecountry in an attempt to gain interest and loyalty to his platform(Edwards, 2000). Consequently, many took up the cause of silveras somewhat of a class war, and Bryan was in the midst of this whilerunning for presidency. McKinley in some respectsrepresented a less controversial viewpoint. Many different elements affected his success during the election of 1896. As he was speakinghe alluded to Jesus as he spread his arms out like a cross. The economy prior to theelection of 1896 had been a dualistic, supporting silver and gold. Bryan was criticized as aradical, yet he was willing to sacrifice, much as many American farmerswere willing to sacrifice for their land and farm (Brickner, 2003). Opponents also loudly voiced their concern that a change in the systemwould only result in more distrust in the currency and disrupt business andthe economy even further (Olasky, 2000). A result of his nomination was a type of merger between Populism and"traditional politics" (buzzmat, 2003). His nomination to the Democratic party resulted in a "reductionof the Populist agenda" to just the issue of silver (Suffolk, 2003). He was interested in advocating for many of the sameissues that agriculturists were, such as the coinage of silver.
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Acceptance Essays
