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William Jennings Bryan Trivia Quiz

How much do you know about this prolific turn of the century American politician?

A multiple-choice quiz by fabulouscoops. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
fabulouscoops

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
270,900

Updated
Jul 23 22

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
308

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. What was the origin of Bryan's middle name? Hint

It just sounded good

His father's mother's maiden name was Jennings

His mother was Mariah Elizabeth Jennings

Jennings was the name of the family butler

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Question 2 of 10

2. William's parents came from two different churches, but at the age of 14 he chose to be baptized into what third religion? Hint

Methodist

Presbyterian

Baptist

Catholic

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Question 3 of 10

3. William was born and raised in Illinois. After getting his law degree, he moved to another state where he ran for congress. What Midwestern state was his new home? Hint

Kansas

Pennsylvania

Indiana

Nebraska

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Question 4 of 10

4. Bryan ran for U.S. president three times. Who did he run against? Hint

McKinley, T. Roosevelt and Taft

McKinley all three times

William McKinley and William Howard Taft

None of these

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Question 5 of 10

5. Bryan never won an election after 1892 but was very prominent in the Democratic Party. To what position did Woodrow Wilson appoint Bryan in 1913? Hint

Secretary of Defense

None, Wilson was a Republican

Attorney General

Secretary of State

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Question 6 of 10

6. Bryan helped pass the 18th amendment to the Constitution. What was the subject of that amendment? Hint

Prohibition

Term Limits

Women's Suffrage

Repeal of Prohibition

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Question 7 of 10

7. During the famous 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial, Bryan argued for the prosecution that evolution could not be taught in public schools. Who was the losing attorney in the classic court battle? Hint

William Jennings Bryan

Clarence Darrow

Perry Mason

The case was thrown out

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Question 8 of 10

8. Who is Charles W. Bryan? Hint

William Jennings Bryan's younger brother

Vice presidential candidate in 1924

Former Governor of Nebraska

All of these

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Question 9 of 10

9. Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee was established in 1930 and was named after William Jennings Bryan, who inspired its creation.

True

False

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Question 10 of 10

10. Where is William Jennings Bryan Buried? Hint

Lincoln, Nebraska

Jacksonville Florida

Chicago, Illinois

Arlington National Cemetery

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What was the origin of Bryan's middle name?

Answer: His mother was Mariah Elizabeth Jennings

Although not hyphenated, Bryan used his mother's maiden name as his middle name.

2. William's parents came from two different churches, but at the age of 14 he chose to be baptized into what third religion?

Answer: Presbyterian

Bryan's mother was a Methodist and his father a Baptist so he attended both churches as a boy. A deeply religious man, he credited the day he was baptized the most important in his life.

3. William was born and raised in Illinois. After getting his law degree, he moved to another state where he ran for congress. What Midwestern state was his new home?

Answer: Nebraska

After getting his law degree in Chicago, Bryan moved to Lincoln, Nebraska and won two terms as a U.S. congressman from that state. The only elected office he would have in his career.

4. Bryan ran for U.S. president three times. Who did he run against?

Answer: William McKinley and William Howard Taft

Bryan ran in 1896 with the backing of no less than three political parties (Populist, Silver Republicans, and Democrats) but still lost to McKinley. In 1900, he lost the rematch after losing the support of the Populists. He was not nominated in 1904, but came back in 1908 to run as a Democrat against Taft.

5. Bryan never won an election after 1892 but was very prominent in the Democratic Party. To what position did Woodrow Wilson appoint Bryan in 1913?

Answer: Secretary of State

Wilson was a Democrat who was endorsed by the influential Bryan. Bryan's reward was the Secretary of State job, but Wilson did not allow him very much power. Although he was passionate about his job, he had very little influence in world affairs.

6. Bryan helped pass the 18th amendment to the Constitution. What was the subject of that amendment?

Answer: Prohibition

Bryan's religious background moved him to oppose demon rum. Women's Suffrage was the 19th amendment, Term Limits, the 20th and Repeal of Prohibition the 21st.

7. During the famous 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial, Bryan argued for the prosecution that evolution could not be taught in public schools. Who was the losing attorney in the classic court battle?

Answer: Clarence Darrow

Highly religious to the end of his life, Bryan rejected Darwinism and argued successfully at the Scopes trial. Scopes was found guilty after a long trial by a jury that took only nine minutes to deliberate. The decision was later overturned.

8. Who is Charles W. Bryan?

Answer: All of these

Charles' political career was mainly driven by his relation to older brother William. He was Mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska and two time governor of the state. In 1924, he was the running mate of John Davis who lost to Calvin Coolidge.

9. Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee was established in 1930 and was named after William Jennings Bryan, who inspired its creation.

Answer: True

The college first started teaching in the same building that Scopes had taught evolution, leading to his arrest in 1925. While Bryan died only days after the trial ended, he expressed a wish to start a faith-based school for young men in the town. His wish came true five years and the school is still in existence.

10. Where is William Jennings Bryan Buried?

Answer: Arlington National Cemetery

Bryan died less than a week after the Scopes Trial and was buried at Arlington, befitting a respected public servant and former Secretary of State.

Source: Author fabulouscoops

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor trident before going online.
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