Cross of Gold

The "Cross of Gold" was a famous political speech delivered by William Jennings Bryan in 1896, advocating for the use of silver alongside gold as currency. He believed this would increase money circulation, help farmers and workers, and reduce debt burdens. At the time, the U.S. was on the gold standard, which limited money supply and favored bankers and creditors. Bryan’s passionate speech condemned the gold standard as a sacrifice of the common people’s interests. His stance rallied support for the Democratic Party’s platform and highlighted the economic struggles of farmers and laborers during that era.