William Jennings Bryan

Taylor Saunders

CROSS OF GOLD

• Democratic politician• Influential in politics during the 1890’s• Presidential candidate three times:

• 1896• 1900• 1908

• Strongly opposed the gold standard

WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN

William Jennings Bryan

Bryan was a leader of the democratic party and a presidential candidate. This speech was said to give Bryan the edge to be chosen as the democratic representation in

the election.

SPEAKER

Democratic convention of 1896

Bryan delivered this speech at the Democratic national convention of 1896. He delivered this speech is opposition of the gold standard. This stance he took was a strong part

of his political platform.

OCCASION

Citizens of the US

This speech was delivered towards the United States. Bryan more specifically aimed this towards the democratic vote, since he was the presidential candidate. This speech could

be considered propaganda in his campaign.

AUDIENCE

To persuade the people against the gold standard.

Bryan wanted to show the United States of America why the gold standard would be nothing but bad for us. He

strongly opposed of it and believed we as a country should too. He also wanted to persuade people’s votes in the

upcoming election.

PURPOSE

Adoption of the gold standard in the US

The adoption of the gold standard in the United States had been an ongoing topic of discussion for almost twenty

years. William Jennings Bryan was in strong opposition of this standard. His rival, William McKinley won the election

and later adopted the gold standard in the US.

SUBJECT

Persuasive.

Bryan wanted to be able to persuade enough people to be influential in the countries decision regarding the gold

standard. If he could get this information out and get others to vote his way, he felt like he could save the country from

what the gold standard would bring.

TONE

Speech audio excerpt.

SPEECH

Bryan establishes ethos by being an influential politician at the time. Since he was a well known politician, this made

his opinion more reputable. By choosing one topic to focus on, the gold standard, he came across as more sincere

about it.

ETHOS

Bryan uses historical references to build the logical basis of his argument. He also gives some factual information about

the gold standard. Doing so gives the audience more of a background knowledge of the content of the speech, making them more likely to focus in on what Bryan is

saying and potentially agree.

LOGOS

Bryan connects with his audience by using pathos. He creates an emotional response with the audience as a way

to connect. The last line in his speech is “You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns;

you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold.” This is a biblical reference to the crucifixion of Jesus. When Bryan says this line, he stands with his arms outstretched in the

shape of a cross.

PATHOS

This political cartoon depicts William Jennings Bryan

standing beside a cross of gold with a crown of thorns. However, this picture depicts him tramping the bible. This

was an attack on him from the opposition.

POLITICAL CARTOON