LAD #26: William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" Speech

Summarize:

William Jennings Bryan advocated that the gold standard was not the only efficient money system. He claimed that silver was just as good at backing money. Bryan supported bimetalism, which he believed would bring America a prosperity they would not have under the gold standard. Bryan reflects on how the silver Democrats came to be on March 4, 1895: a group of Democrats sought to convince their party of the benefits of the silver standard. Bryan states that the silver Democrats reflect the wished of the comman American. To counter gold standard supporters' belief that a silver standard would hurt business Bryan argues that everyone who works for a wage is a businessman and, therefore, if the common people benefit so will the majority of America. Bryan claims that the biggest issue the Democrats face is the potential of McKinley becoming president. Bryan fears that he will become tyrannical and fully support the growth of big businessmen. This would be detrimental to the common people and Bryan, as he is a Populist himself. Bryan's eloquent oration enthralled the crowd so much that when he stopped speaking the audience was completely electric and 36 year old Bryan was easily chosen as the Democratic candidate.

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William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" Speech
"...we shall answer their demands for a gold standard by saying to them, you shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns. You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold."

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President FDR's New Deal economic policies
FDR borrowed from the same Populist principals as William Jennings Bryan. Roosevelt attacked the unjust concentration of wealth and the power that comes with it. Similar to at the time of Bryan, Roosevelt recognizes the industrial superpowers that dominated America's society, economics, and politics.

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