"Having behind us the producing masses of this nation and the world, supported by the commercial interests, the laboring interests, and the toilers everywhere, we will answer their demand 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." — William Jennings Bryan, 1896
Bryan's speech is best understood as advocating:
- A
Repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act
- B
Federal subsidies to gold mining interests
- Ccheck_circle
Bimetallism to expand currency and aid debtors
- D
Strict adherence to the gold standard
Explanation
Bryan's electrifying speech rallied silver Democrats and Populists behind the free coinage of silver, framing the gold standard as a moral injury to working people.