Question

William Jennings Bryan saw an opportunity to rise to the presidency as the voice of the poor. What did Bryan promise to do to the big trusts?

a) He promised to protect and support the big trusts.
b) He promised to regulate and break up the big trusts.
c) He promised to merge with the big trusts for economic growth.
d) He promised to provide tax breaks to the big trusts.

Answer 1

William Jennings Bryan promised to regulate and break up the big trusts, opting for stronger antitrust legislation and protection for the working class.

Step-by-step explanation:

William Jennings Bryan, running on the Democratic ticket, promised to address concerns over the growing power of big trusts. What Bryan pledged to do was b) He promised to regulate and break up the big trusts. He recognized the perils of unchecked corporate power and aimed to curb the influence of special interest groups on state legislators. His platform advocated for stronger antitrust legislation and a commitment to Progressive reform.

Unlike Roosevelt, who distinguished between 'good' and 'bad' trusts, Bryan had a stronger inclination towards strict regulation of all major trusts. He believed in protecting the interests of the poor and saw this as a pathway towards his presidential ambition.