A Comprehensive Study of William Jennings Bryan's Legacy and Impact

This essay examines the life and impact of William Jennings Bryan, a prominent figure in American history. It explores his political career, including his three unsuccessful presidential campaigns as the Democratic Party nominee, and analyzes his stances on key issues such as imperialism, foreign policy, and the theory of evolution. The essay highlights Bryan's opposition to imperialism, arguing that it contradicted American values, and his views on the importance of impartiality and negotiation in international relations. Furthermore, it discusses Bryan's role in the Scopes Trial, emphasizing his commitment to his beliefs and his perspective on the conflict between Christianity and secularity. The essay concludes by assessing Bryan's legacy, emphasizing his advocacy for American values and his influence on American politics and society, despite his electoral losses. The essay draws on various sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of Bryan's contributions to American history and his lasting impact on the nation.

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The Impact of William Jennings Bryan
The name William Jennings Bryan is often seen as synonymous to a chronic presidential
loser. Bryan, despite having acquired nominations thrice in the Democratic Party, he lost in the
three elections. His running unsuccessfully for the top-most seat in the nation raises questions
about the nature of leaders that the American citizens indeed wanted. Bryan was inarguably a
desirable character who managed to move audiences like no other person. Bryan was a lovable
statesman whose efforts were valuable though going unrewarded most of the times. Critically,
Bryan, in his orations, was sympathizing with the Americans in their downtrodden status. His
commitment towards the service of the nation saw him make attempts to transform the
Democratic Party through his presidential campaigns, stand against the Darwinian evolution
theory and campaigning for the alteration of the existing American foreign policies.
Bryan openly opposed and denounced imperialism as a poor system driving America to
her own downfall. He alleged that imperialism was a great subject of moral interest in America.
In his view, embracing imperialism, for whatever reasons, was a trespass from the moral values
emphasized by the founding fathers (Kazin 33). He appealed that imperialism was a
contradiction to the equality values passed by the past presidents, particularly Thomas Jefferson
and Abraham Lincoln. Bryan foresaw the long-term impact of sustaining imperialism. Even
though the system would see America raise the ladder of economic independence, it would be

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critical to maintaining large militaries which would be costly (Bryan). In his campaigns, Bryan
openly pronounced the values of America that were to be upheld at all costs. For instance, Bryan
declared that equality was paramount and all nations and America was not supposed to continue
exploiting other nations. He cited in his speech that America should maintain similar policies in
both Cuba and Philippines and freeing one and holding the other is contradictory (Levine 122).
Bryan, to some extent, managed to convince the Americans that embracing the imperialist policy
was synonymous to abandoning the American heritage that shaped the country into a world
power.
Bryan’s ideal foreign policies were those that were fair to all nations and not likely to
give birth to conflicts. Perhaps, the most interesting legacy that Bryan left behind was his
aversion to conflicts (Gardner 43). He emphasized the need to stay impartial in all circumstances.
He believed that negotiations were the recipe for good foreign relations. His hate for conflict
explains why he had no choice but to fall out with his benefactor Wilson, following the latter’s
inclination in the First World War. Bryan tendered his resignation letter after realizing that
Wilson had finally resolved to drop neutrality. Ideally, Bryan’s idea of impartiality is an ideal
that America did not achieve. However, his stand is still celebrated by many who still live for a
neutral America with no inclinations to specific nations.
The Scope Monkey trial, to a great extent, continued shaping the image of Bryan outside
politics. Clearly, Bryan held stiff accounts on what was right and what was wrong. For him, the
truth was not to be compromised at any costs. The case was like a contest between Christianity
and the secular world. The argument was staged between biblical creation and Darwinian
evolution. Since America was a Christian nation sending missionaries to different nations, it
would be contradictory to teach both creation and evolution in the same classroom. Bryan

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alleged that the debate on Christianity and evolution was similar to that of light versus darkness.
The two forces were antagonistic and would not coexist harmoniously. Objectively, Bryan was
right in his argument. The two ideologies would end up breeding confusion in the minds of the
learners especially because the theory of evolution had not yet been grounded properly. In
Bryan’s lens, secularity cannot exist in a Christian nation, and if it happens, it gives rise to total
chaos. This is a worthwhile lesson that ought to be observed to restore peace and unity in mixed
nations. Sensibly, the value of consistency adopted by Bryan in all situations is worth emulation.
It is a fact that two antagonistic forces cannot coexist in a similar environment.
Despite Bryan being a serial presidential seat looser, his life in politics presents valuable
lessons. Bryan was a great advocate of the values put forth by the American founding fathers,
which is the greatest way America can reward its founders. Being mindful of the values would
definitely maintain the glory that America attained following the declarations for equity,
impartiality, justice, and peace by the founding fathers. Bryan’s perspectives are worth emulation
especially the manner in which he drew lines on what is right and what is wrong.

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Works Cited
Bryan, William Jennings. "Imperialism (Flag of an Empire)." Imperialism (Flag of an Empire).
Indianapolis, IN, 8 August 1900.
Gardner, Elizabeth. "William Jennings Bryan, 'Imperialism.'" Voices of Democracy 2010: 37–56.
Kazin, Michael. A Godly Hero: The Life of William Jennings Bryan. New York: Alfred A.
Knopf, 2006.
Levine, Lawrence W. Defender of the Faith: William Jennings Bryan, the Last Decade, 1915–
1925. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2008.