Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A historical figure: William Jennings Bryan was a United States lawyer and politician. He is historically significant for his advocacy of "free silver" (a monetary policy) and for his role as the prosecutor in the 1925 Scopes "Monkey" Trial, where a teacher was tried for teaching evolution.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun:
  • William Jennings Bryan delivered the famous "Cross of Gold" speech.
  • The prosecutor in the Scopes Trial was William Jennings Bryan.

Advanced Usage

• Used as a symbol: The name "William Jennings Bryan" is often used to represent a specific era in American politics, characterized by populist, agrarian movements and debates over modernity versus traditionalism.
  • His stance placed him as a William Jennings Bryan figure, championing the common man against established interests.

Variants and Related Words

• Bryanite (noun, historical): A supporter of William Jennings Bryan or his policies.
  • The Bryanites strongly supported the free silver movement.

Synonyms

• The Great Commoner (historical epithet): A contemporary nickname for William Jennings Bryan, highlighting his populist image.
• The Boy Orator of the Platte (historical epithet): Another nickname referencing his youthful eloquence and his home state of Nebraska.

Related Phrases

• "Cross of Gold" speech: The famous 1896 Democratic National Convention address by William Jennings Bryan, which catapulted him to the presidential nomination.
  • He quoted a line from the "Cross of Gold" speech in his debate.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. United States lawyer and politician who advocated free silver and prosecuted John Scopes (1925) for teaching evolution in a Tennessee high school (1860-1925)