SOURCE: “Bryan and the Progressive Movement,” in The Trumpet Soundeth: William Jennings Bryan and his Democracy, 1896-1912, University of Nebraska Press, 1960, pp. 110-39.

In the following essay, Glad discusses Bryan's role in the American progressive movement, from the early years of the twentieth century to 1917.

The years between the turn of the century and 1917 have come to be known in American history as the progressive era. This was a period when the nation seemed to awaken from slumber as a new dawn chased away shadows of venality and selfishness from political and economic life. He who does what is true, reasoned Americans, comes to the light, and they were ready to believe that the rosy tints sweeping over the landscape emanated from the light that shone more and more unto the perfect day. The dawn symbolized progress, for progress was as pervading and as inevitable as the dawn...