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William Jennings Bryan

William Jennings Bryan

William Jennings Bryan, known as the “Great Commoner,” was one of the great orators of his era. Despite being a force in the Progressive Movement, he is largely remembered for his staunch opposition to evolution and prominent role in the “Scopes Money Trial” of 1925.

Early Life

Bryan, a native of Nebraska, served in the House of Representatives from 1891-1895. Bryan was the Democrat’s nominee for president three times, but never reached the country’s highest office. He was, however, deeply respected for his strong advocacy of popular democracy and criticism of increasingly powerful business trusts. In support of striking coal miners, he stated: “Whether a man is a laboring man, a farmer or a merchant, he must see that the opportunities are constantly narrowing under this trust system.”

Career

Bryan also famously advocated in support of the coinage of free silver, citing that ending the gold standard would put more money in the hands of everyday Americans. “You shall not press down upon the brow of labor a crown of thorns. You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold,” he stated.

After losing re-election in the House, Bryan became a professional speech maker. After helping Woodrow Wilson secure the presidency, Bryan served as Secretary of State in his Administration from 1913-1915. He resigned from the position in a display of pacifism to focus his efforts exclusively on keeping the United States out of World War I.

Scopes Money Trial

While Bryan was a leader of the Progressive Movement, he was also very religious. In 1925, Bryan was the lead prosecutor in the trial John T. Scopes, a Tennessee teacher charged with teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution in violation of state law. When defense attorney Clarence Darrow unexpectedly called Bryan to the stand, Bryan vehemently and unsuccessfully sought to make the case for a literal interpretation of the bible. While Scopes was convicted, Bryan was mocked for his fundamentalist views. He died five days after the trial concluded.

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The Amendments

  • Amendment1
    • Establishment ClauseFree Exercise Clause
    • Freedom of Speech
    • Freedoms of Press
    • Freedom of Assembly, and Petitition
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  • Amendment2
    • The Right to Bear Arms
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  • Amendment4
    • Unreasonable Searches and Seizures
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  • Amendment5
    • Due Process
    • Eminent Domain
    • Rights of Criminal Defendants
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Preamble to the Bill of Rights

Congress of the United States begun and held at the City of New-York, on Wednesday the fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine.

THE Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution.

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