The Cross of Gold Speech

The "Cross of Gold" speech was delivered by William Jennings Bryan at the Democratic National Convention in 1896. It advocated for the free coinage of silver to increase the money supply, which Bryan argued would help struggling farmers and workers by promoting economic growth and inflation. He passionately opposed the gold standard, which he believed favored wealthy elites at the expense of the common people. The speech is famous for its emotional appeal and memorable imagery, framing the struggle between the working class and affluent interests as a moral battle, igniting support for Bryan's presidential campaign.