William Jennings Bryan was a Democratic fundamentalist preacher and political leader during the late 1800's and early 1900's.

Bryan's career began at the age of 30 when he entered Congress in 1890. In 1912, he became Woodrow Wilson's Secretary of State and began to make treaties with other nations designed to avert war through arbitration and moderation. Bryan despised war due to his Christian upbringing, and resigned his position in protest of World War I. He ran unsuccessfully for president 3 times.

Bryan was a progressive Democrat, speaking in favor of the federal income tax, female suffrage, Prohibition, and the direct election of senators. The Democratic Party recognized him as their leader for 15 years. He is perhaps best known for his involvement in the fundamentalist crusade against evolution, especially the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial. 5 days after the trial, he died unexpectedly in his sleep.

Also known as: The "Great Commoner" and the "Peerless Leader"