William Jennings Bryan was born in 1860 in Southern Illinois and raised in a religious family. He moved to Chicago to attend law school after furthering his education elsewhere. After passing the bar exam, he married and moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where he began his career in politics. He was elected to Congress in 1890 and 1892. In 1896, he gave his famous "Cross of Gold" speech at the Democratic National Convention that raised his profile. He ran for president as a Democrat in 1896 and later became known for his anti-imperialist and progressive views. Later in life, he spent over a decade giving religious and political speeches across the country.

1. William Jennings Bryan Hall of Fame Presentation

2. Young LifeI was born in Southern Illinois in March of 1860 into an extremely religious family. Education played a large role in my life, so I moved from my family at age 14 in order to further my education. I then moved to Chicago to attend law school.

3. The Big MoveAfter passing the bar exam I was married and moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. It was here that I began my life as an orator and political figure.

4. Beginning a Career in PoliticsIn 1890 I was elected into Congress, and then in 1892 I was reelected. Worked for Omaha World-Herald while becoming a well renowned oratorIn 1896 I presented the Cross of Gold speech making a name for myself in the Democratic Party. In the 1896 elections I ran for the Democrat party using new tactics for promotion.

5. Military ExperienceI volunteered for combat in the Spanish-American WarFollowing the war I gave a speech asking what gave America the right to over power other countries for the sake of war.

6. In the 1900 election I ran as an anti-imperialist thus finding myself in alliances such as Carnegie. After the 1908 presidential elections I realized that my time could be better spent and decided to concentrate more on my speeches. The Other Elections

7. Chautauqua circuitFor the next twelve years I spent all of my time giving speeches all over the country mostly on religion and the Darwinian theory. While associated with this group I was able to again become very involved in my religion.

8. The CommonerI created a weekly magazine that I used to speak to Democrats, advising them to regulate the railroads more tightly and support the Progressive Movement.

9. Fight For My Beliefs In 1912 I assist Wilson in his presidential campaign, so when elected he nominated me as Secretary of State. In two years when Wilson’s desire to enter WWI came up I resigned because of my beliefs and continued my work in the chautauqua circuit.

10. Scopes Trial The Scopes Trial was my most important trail, and one I felt very passionately about. At the end of the trial scopes was found guilty.

11. The End