William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" speech is powerful due to its passionate advocacy for bimetallism, which aimed to relieve economic distress among farmers and working-class Americans. Bryan's eloquent rhetoric and vivid imagery effectively captured the struggles of the common people against the gold standard and the perceived tyranny of wealthy elites. His delivery at the 1896 Democratic National Convention galvanized support and symbolized a broader populist movement, making it a defining moment in American political history. The speech remains influential for its emotional appeal and its call for economic justice.
William Jennings Bryan
farmers suffered because of gold
it means that American money should not only be based on gold
William Jennings Bryan was the Democratic Nominee for President in 1896, 1900 and 1908. He was the orator who wrote the famous 'Cross of Gold' speech. He also was on the prosecution tema during the Scopes Monkey Trial.
William Jennings Bryan condemned the gold standard because he believed it favored the wealthy and powerful at the expense of farmers and laborers. He argued that a bimetallic standard, which included both gold and silver, would increase the money supply, making it easier for debtors to pay off loans and stimulate economic growth. Bryan viewed the gold standard as a means of maintaining economic inequality and sought to advocate for the working class through his famous "Cross of Gold" speech, emphasizing the need for monetary reform.
William Jennings Bryan
William Jennings Bryan
The Cross Of Gold
William Jennings Bryan
William Jennings Bryan delivered the "Cross of Gold Speech" on July 9, 1896, at the Democratic National convention in Chicago, Illinois.
William Jennings Bryan
Ferment plea for silver
William Jennings Bryan
farmers suffered because of gold
it means that American money should not only be based on gold
The speech is referred to as the The Cross Of Goldspeech.
Cross of gold speech appealed to the Democratic Party at the Democratic National Convention in 1896. William Jennings Bryan delivered the speech, which is considered one of the greatest political speeches in our nation's history.