Date
7-21-2026
Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD)
Chair
Chad Shelley
Keywords
William Jennings Bryan, Progressive Era, Populism, Progressivism, Federal Government, Political History, Democratic Party, Economic Reform, American Political Thought
Disciplines
History | Philosophy
Recommended Citation
Drake, Tracey Perilloux, "Redefining Bryan: Populism, Reform, and the Fight for the Common Man" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8661.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8661
Abstract
This dissertation looks at the political career of William Jennings Bryan and argues that he was more than just a supporter of free silver during the 1896 election. While many historians focus mainly on his “Cross of Gold” speech and his views on silver, this study shows that Bryan had a much broader set of ideas. He supported reform in many areas, including the economy, government power, and moral issues, and believed the federal government should do more to help ordinary people. Using both historical studies and primary sources, this dissertation places Bryan in the context of the major economic and political changes of his time. It explains how events like the Panic of 1893 hurt farmers and workers and shaped Bryan’s beliefs. He supported policies like bimetallism, regulating big businesses, and using government power to improve conditions for the working class. He also used strong and simple language in his speeches to present politics as a struggle between “the people” and powerful elites, which helped him gain support.
This study also looks at Bryan’s views beyond economic issues. It shows how he spoke out against imperialism, supported peaceful foreign policy, and took part in debates about morality, such as the fight against evolutionary theory. These positions show that his beliefs were consistent and connected to his larger goal of promoting fairness and democracy.
Overall, this dissertation argues that Bryan should not be seen as just a failed presidential candidate or a single-issue politician. Instead, he was an important figure in shaping modern American politics, especially in the areas of populism, reform, and the role of government in helping the people.
