Who was William Jennings Bryan?

• A. A famous cowboy performer
• B. A leader advocating for free silver
• C. A railroad tycoon
• D. A prominent journalist

Answer: (B)

William Jennings Bryan was a significant figure in American politics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly known as a leader advocating for the free silver movement. His passionate support for the free coinage of silver was aimed at increasing the money supply to help farmers and working-class people who were suffering economically at the time. Bryan believed that making silver a standard currency would lead to inflation, which would benefit debtors by making it easier for them to pay off their loans. His famous "Cross of Gold" speech during the 1896 Democratic National Convention exemplified his stance, as he argued against the gold standard that many believed oppressed the working class and favored the wealthy. This movement was a central aspect of his political career, making him a key player in the debates over economic policy during the Gilded Age.