The Success Of William Jennings Brown During The Gilded Age

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William Jennings Brown was a beloved orator and political figure from the 1890’s till his death in the 1925. He was known for his abilities to capture a crowd and keep them enthralled for hours as he talked about anything. From an early age though he knew that he wanted to be like his father, following in his footsteps to the political realm. He made good use of his oratory skills and created a whole new way of running a presidential campaign. He also helped to create the bases for many new ideas that would lead to Franklin Roosevelts, New Deal Plan. These were obtained by his oratory skills, passionate belief in the common people, and his steadfast faith. Many attributed Bryan’s successes on his oratory abilities. Starting at a young age …show more content…

He refused to give into their taunts and name calling. He stood firm by his belief that if America didn’t start helping those at the bottom of its system then everything would come tumbling down. In a time when big business liked to silence those that spoke out against them it was unique to see someone, especially so young and rather inexperienced as Bryan compared to others, speak out so much. He kept the issues he saw crucial alive, planted the seeds of knowledge in those who listened to him. During his time the world was maybe not have been ready to act on this issues but he prompted them and kept them from dying, until someone like Franklin Roosevelt could really do something about it. Another aspect that helped spread Bryans word and garner himself a notable reputation was his religious believes. Started at a young age Bryans parents were both devote Christians who encouraged their son to explore and form his own relationship with God. During the revivalist atmosphere of that time it wasn’t hard. His love for God and scripture was always notable in his speeches, most notably in his speech The Golden Cross in which he stated, “You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns, you shall not crucify mankind upon the cross of gold”.

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