Final Answer:
William Jennings Bryan attempted to portray farmers as superior by emphasizing their virtues, hard work, and moral integrity compared to other sectors of society.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the late 19th century, William Jennings Bryan, a prominent figure in American politics, advocated for the interests of farmers and rural communities. He often highlighted the virtues and moral values associated with farming life to portray farmers as superior in their ethics and contributions to society. Bryan emphasized the honest toil of farmers, portraying them as hardworking individuals deeply connected to the land, in contrast to what he perceived as the less virtuous pursuits of industrial and urban sectors.
Bryan's famous "Cross of Gold" speech at the 1896 Democratic National Convention underscored his views. In his speech, he argued against the gold standard, framing it as a policy that benefited the wealthy urban and industrial classes at the expense of farmers and workers. By advocating for the coinage of silver, which he believed would benefit farmers and the working class, Bryan sought to elevate the status of farmers as the backbone of the nation's moral and economic foundation.
Moreover, Bryan's political platform aimed to protect farmers from what he considered exploitation by corporate interests and financial institutions. He championed policies such as bimetallism (using both gold and silver as currency), which he believed would alleviate the economic struggles faced by farmers and elevate their societal status. Overall, Bryan's approach attempted to depict farmers as the moral and ethical compass of society, contrasting their perceived virtues with what he viewed as the more materialistic and less principled interests of urban and industrial sectors.