Uploaded January 2019 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In 1896, former Nebraska Congressman William Jennings Bryan became the Democratic nominee for President by delivering one of the most powerful speeches in American political history.
This week, we'll look at Bryan's "Cross of Gold" speech which railed against the U.S. government wanting to keep America on the gold standard. We'll also learn about bimetallism, the system which backed U.S. currency with gold and silver, why silver was stopped from being pressed into currency, the argument for and against silver, and the rise of Bryan becoming a political superstar because of his support of silver.
Listen to the "Cross of Gold" speech:
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5354/
Follow US 101 on Facebook: facebook.com/usahistory101
US 101 on Twitter: twitter.com/usahistory101
US 101 on Instagram: instagram.com/usahistory101
In 1896, former Nebraska Congressman William Jennings Bryan became the Democratic nominee for President by delivering one of the most powerful speeches in American political history.
This week, we'll look at Bryan's "Cross of Gold" speech which railed against the U.S. government wanting to keep America on the gold standard. We'll also learn about bimetallism, the system which backed U.S. currency with gold and silver, why silver was stopped from being pressed into currency, the argument for and against silver, and the rise of Bryan becoming a political superstar because of his support of silver.
Listen to the "Cross of Gold" speech:
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5354/
Follow US 101 on Facebook: facebook.com/usahistory101
US 101 on Twitter: twitter.com/usahistory101
US 101 on Instagram: instagram.com/usahistory101
