Edition of 10 (this copy is #5). Subscribe 84K views 7 years ago This is a speech from Democratic Candidate William Jennings Bryan, which he originally delivered in 1896. "[69] The gold men, during the address, paid close attention and showed their appreciation for Bryan's oratory. [99], Bryan's speech is considered one of the most powerful political addresses in American history. People who were free-silver thought that currency reform would end them. Why this change? Now, my friends, let me come to the great paramount issue. W.J. There were a large number of potential candidates seen as having less support; these included Vice President Adlai Stevenson of Illinois, Senator Joseph C. Blackburn of Kentucky, Senator Teller, and Bryan.[43]. This teaching guide helps instructors use a specific primary source set, Patronage and Populism: The Politics of the Gilded Age, in the classroom. Silver advocates argued that this dropoff, which caused the price of grain to fall below its cost of production, was caused by the failure of the government to adequately increase the money supply, which had remained steady on a per capita basis. Full text and audio version of "Cross of Gold" at History Matters. Source 1 Political Cartoon "Swallowed" from Puck Magazine Source 2 Cross of Gold Political Cartoon Source 3 Photograph of a sod house Source 4 Political Cartoon, "The Grange . The Republican Party platform for the election, formulated at its convention in St. Louis in June, declared, We are unalterably opposed to every measure calculated to debase our currency. When the Democrats gathered a few weeks later, their platform called for the free and unlimited coinage of both silver and gold. In an eloquent plea for the coinage of silver and an attack on the thesis that gold was the only sound backing for currency, Bryan closed with the peroration, you shall not press down on the brow of labor this crown of thorns. [82] The convention passed the platform in Bryan's absence and recessed. [6] Silver was now undervalued at the Mint; accordingly little was presented for striking into money. Can you find the other strategies in his speech? The Nebraskan later described the audience as like a trained choir. Why is it that within three months such a change has come over the sentiments of the country? People who were free-silver thought that currency reform would end them. [1][78], Now, Bryan was ready to conclude the speech, and according to his biographer, Michael Kazin, step "into the headlines of American history". Four years previously, the former Nebraska congressman had electrified Democratic delegates with his "Cross of Gold" speech, which defined the policy of "free silver" as a moral crusade and helped propel him to the party's presidential nomination . He always regarded it as the best point he made during the speech, and only the ending caused more reaction from his listeners: We say to you that you have made the definition of a business man too limited in its application. Question 9 30 seconds Q. He was nominated two more times as the Democratic presidential nominee, but he lost again to McKinley in 1900 and to Republican candidate William H. Taft (1857-1930) in 1908. If they ask us here why it is we say more on the money question than we say upon the tariff question, I reply that if protection has slain its thousands the gold standard has slain its tens of thousands. We do not come as aggressors. In 1896 William Jennings Bryan gave possibly his most famous speech, " The Cross of Gold" Speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. The audio portion is an excerpt. This legislation defined a unit of value for the new nation, to be known as a dollar. Old leaders have been cast aside when they refused to give expression to the sentiments of those whom they would lead, and new leaders have sprung up to give direction to this cause of freedom. Many in the public saw the bonds as benefiting bankers, not the nation. Both men had electoral problems: Bland at age 61 was seen by some as a man whose time had passed; Boies was a former Republican who had once decried bimetallism. But Bryan first wished to tie the silver question to a greater cause:[46][76], Upon which side will the Democratic Party fight; upon the side of "the idle holders of idle capital" or upon the side of "the struggling masses"? They manufactured that leader in the convention, a fabrication in which Bryan was only too happy to assist.[108]. When I find a man who is not willing to pay his share of the burden of the government which protects him, I find a man who is unworthy to enjoy the blessings of a government like ours. They could only beg them to spare the party the humiliation of broken traditions and the overthrowing of established control. His speech, delivered at the close of the debate on the party platform, electrified the convention and is generally credited with earning him the nomination for president. Ah. ; B. The late 19th century saw divergent views in economics as the laissez-faire orthodoxy was questioned by younger economists, and both sides found ample support for their views from theorists. Never before in the history of American politics has a great issue been fought out as this issue has been by the voters themselves. [32], The 1896 Democratic convention opened at the Chicago Coliseum on July 7, 1896. We say in our platform that we believe that the right to coin money and issue money is a function of government. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: ydelecnormandie.com, +33974562807 Installation et rnovation de rseau lectrique Pont-Audemerr, Lisieux, Le Havre-lectricit btiment,Installation lectrique | SARL YD ELEC NORMANDIE They have tried for thirty yearsthirty yearsto secure an international agreement, and those are waiting for it most patiently who dont want it at all. That was Cicero, who destroyed the conspiracies of Cataline and saved Rome. He cared about politics and his religion equally. [66][70], Through this passage, Bryan maintained the contrast between the common man and the city-dwelling elite. You come to us and tell us that the great cities are in favor of the gold standard; we reply that the great cities rest upon our broad and fertile prairies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. [68] He denied, however that the contest was personal; he bore no ill-will towards those who supported the gold standard. The policemen were swept away by the flood of delegates, who raised Bryan to their shoulders and carried him around the floor. Burn down your cities and leave our farms, and your cities will spring up again as if by magic; but destroy our farms and the grass will grow in the streets of every city in the country.[76]. William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" oration was primarily an expression of his (A) fundamentalist religious beliefs (B) neutral stance toward the belligerents of the First World War (C) advocacy of free and unlimited coinage of silver (D) opposition to teaching the theory of evolution in public schools (E) anti-imperialist convictions . [102] Bryan's emphasis on agrarian issues, both in his speech and in his candidacy, may have helped cement voting patterns which kept the Democrats largely out of power until the 1930s. If they say bimetallism is good, but that we cannot have it until other nations help us, we reply that, instead of having a gold standard because England has, we will restore bimetallism, and then let England have bimetallism because the United States has it. [97] Bryan won the South and most of the West, but McKinley's victories in the more populous Northeast and Midwest carried him to the presidency. Although he would only be 36 years old in 1896one year above the constitutional minimumhe believed the silver question could carry him not only to the nomination, but to the presidency. With the powerful words he used, Bryan showed his support to the Populists. [53] Tillman's speech, scheduled to be the only one in support of silver except Bryan's, was so badly received that Senator Jones, who had not planned to speak, gave a brief address asserting that silver was a national issue. We go forth confident that we shall win. When you come before us and tell us that we shall disturb your business interests, we reply that you have disturbed our business interests by your action. doubt, because there is scarcely a State here today asking for the gold standard which is not in the absolute control of the Republican party. Our war is not a war of conquest. My friend, in this land of the free you need fear no tyrant who will spring up from among the people. Known as an orator even then, Bryan had not always favored free silver out of conviction, stating in 1892 that he was for it because the people of Nebraska were for it. Introduction. The Populists would reach the high water mark of their political power in 1896, when the Democratic Party nominated William Jennings Bryan as its candidate for President of . This handout is a great resource for helping students analyze this key political cartoon from the Populist Movement and the Election of 1896 featuring William Jennings Bryan and the "Cross of Gold" speech. Governmental response to this shortage was hampered by the fact that officials did not clearly understand what had happened. William Jennings Bryan. BRYAN CARRIES ON THE SHOULDERS OF HIS ADMIRERS AFTER HIS ORATION. We have entreated, and our entreaties have been disregarded. There are those who believe that, if you will only legislate to make the well-to-do prosperous, their prosperity will leak through on those below. The temporary chairmanship, for example, would have permitted him to deliver the keynote address. Will it choose blessings or cursingslife or deathwhich? [63] Two alert police officers had joined Bryan as he left the podium, anticipating the crush. We have simply called attention to what you know. I ask him, if he will apply his logic to us, why he does not apply it to himself. In his address, Bryan supported "free silver" (i.e. However, the senator wanted 50 minutes to speak, too long for a closing address, and at Bryan's request agreed to open the debate instead. It marked the first american victory over a European power. It also repealed the statutory provisions allowing silver bullion to be presented to the Mint and returned in the form of circulating money. They criticize us for our criticism of the Supreme Court of the United States. They have tried to strain it to mean that which it does not mean. An 1896 cartoon of William Jennings Bryan supporting "Free Silver." What exactly did he mean that money did not need to be "backed" by gold? Our website may have some collections that include images that are in the public domain, not protected by copyright or where the copyright ownership is unknown. When this debate is concluded, a motion will be made to lay upon the table the resolution offered in commendation of the administration and also the resolution in condemnation of the administration. Many Republicans in the western states, dismayed by the strong allegiance of eastern Republicans to the gold standard, considered forming their own party. But destroy our farms and the grass will grow in the streets of every city in the country. Much activity took place in advance of the formal opening as the silver and (vastly outnumbered) gold forces prepared their strategies. McKinley on the other hand, opted for a front porch campaign. [17] In his conclusion, Bryan reached back in history: When a crisis like the present arose and the national bank of his day sought to control the politics of the nation, God raised up an Andrew Jackson, who had the courage to grapple with that great enemy, and by overthrowing it, he made himself the idol of the people and reinstated the Democratic party in public confidence. Advocates of the gold standard attributed the decline to advances in production and transportation. It was clear to listeners as he worked his way through the comparisons that he would refer to the farmer, and when he did, the hall exploded with sound. He favored the monetary policy . Source: Official Proceedings of the Democratic National Convention Held in Chicago, Illinois, July 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, 1896, (Logansport, Indiana, 1896), 226234. Three months ago, when it was confidently asserted that those who believed in the gold standard would frame our platforms and nominate our candidates, even the advocates of the gold standard did not think that we could elect a President; but they had good reasons for the suspicion, because there is scarcely a state here today asking for the gold standard that is not within the absolute control of the Republican Party. It is the issue of 1776 over again. However, Bryan, lacking a seat at the start of the convention, could not be elected temporary chairman. If they dare to come out in the open field and defend the gold standard as a good thing, we will fight them to the uttermost. "[67] By then, as he spoke in a sincere tone, his voice sounded clearly and loudly through the hall. Ah, my friends. [84][85] On the second ballot, Bryan still stood second, but had gained as other candidates had fallen away. This was not the case; Bryan was well known as an orator on the tariff and silver questions. It made no secret of these preparations. [5] It was not until 1834 that Congress acted, changing the gold/silver ratio to 16.002:1. Bryan's 1896 campaign was groundbreaking for more than his oratorical skill. from Harper's Weekly, 18 July, 1896. Although Altgeld and his adherents urged voters to distinguish between Cleveland and his party, the Democrats lost 113 seats in the House in the 1894 midterm elections, the greatest loss by a majority party in congressional history. The individual is but an atom; he is born, he acts, he dies; but principles are eternal; and this has been a contest of principle. Once the convention came to order, Arkansas Senator James K. Jones, chair of the Committee on Resolutions, read the proposed platform to cheers by many delegates; the reading of the pro-gold minority report attracted less applause. On the night of July 8, William Jennings Bryan revealed himself as the candidate the silverites were looking for by delivering one of the most famous speeches in American history. In January 1791, at the request of Congress, Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton issued a report on the currency. As Hill moved to the podium, a reporter friend passed Bryan a note urging him to make a patriotic speech without hint of sectionalism; Bryan responded, "You will not be disappointed. [96] Bryan spoke on silver throughout the campaign; he rarely addressed other issues. The 1880s saw a steep decline in the prices of grain and other agricultural commodities. His subsequent canvass [campaign] for the United States senatorship in Nebraska was noteworthy and conspicuous on many accounts. Our silver Democrats went forth from victory unto victory, until they are assembled now, not to discuss, not to debate, but to enter up the judgment rendered by the plain people of this country. Those who are opposed to this proposition tell us that the issue of paper money is a function of the bank and that the government ought to go out of the banking business. The merchant at the crossroads store is as much a businessman as the merchant of New York. "[60] Bensel noted, "The pump was more than primed, it was ready to explode. "[61] Bryan would say little that he had not said beforethe text is similar to that of a speech he had given the previous week at Crete, Nebraska[62]but he would give the convention its voice. Why, that man who used to boast that he looked like Napoleon, that man shudders today when he thinks that he was nominated on the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. If you want criticisms, read the dissenting opinions of the Court. 2023 The Granger Collection LTD d/b/a GRANGER - Historical Picture Archive. Gold Democrats looked to the President for leadership, but Cleveland, trusting few in his party, did not involve himself further in the gold efforts, but spent the week of the convention fishing off the New Jersey coast. Let me call attention to two or three great things. Bryan traveled 18,000 miles by train to give over 600 speeches (36 in one day) to about five million people. I stand with Jefferson rather than with them, and tell them, as he did, that the issue of money is a function of the government and that the banks should go out of the governing business. [59] As he concluded his historical recitation, he reminded the silver delegates that they had come to crown their victory, "not to discuss, not to debate, but to enter up the judgment already rendered by the plain people of this country".[66]. The financial Panic of 1893 intensified the debates, and when President Grover Cleveland (a Democrat) continued to support the gold standard against the will of much of his party, activists became determined to take over the Democratic Party organization and nominate a silver-supporting candidate in 1896. You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold. He decried the gold standard, concluding the speech, "you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold". ; D. The Democratic Party understood the economy from the point of view of workers and farmers. [37] He arrived convinced that he would win the nomination. We defy them! [65] Bryan then recounted the history of the silver movement; the audience, which had loudly demonstrated its approval of his opening statements, quieted. They are also most often funny. Accordingly, Bryan became the final speaker on the platform. The money went for speakers, pamphlets, and other means of conveying their "sound money" campaign to the voter. The majority of cartoons are from the 1908 campaigan, but there cartoons that feature 1920 election and Bryan's borther Charles Bryan. We do not come as individuals. time before some commentator alludes to William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" speech at the 1896 Democratic convention as the leading example of an orator's ability to sway listeners. Although Bryan ran again on a silver platform in the 1900 presidential election, the issue failed to produce the same resonance with the voters. Because upon the paramount issue in this campaign there is not a spot of ground upon which the enemy will dare to challenge battle. Instructors: CLICK HERE to request a free trial account (only available to college instructors) Primary Source Readers The next day the convention nominated Bryan for President on the fifth ballot. The most famous speech in American political history was delivered by William Jennings Bryan on July 9, 1896, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The warmest ties of love and acquaintance and association have been disregarded. [58] Bryan's lecture tours had left him a well-known spokesman for silver. Bryan had a distinguished and active political career, supporting workers' rights and women's suffrage while opposing monopolies and teaching evolution in schools. There is more reason for him to do that than for us to expect to fail to maintain the parity. [42] Going into the convention, the two leading candidates for the nomination were former Congressman Bland, who had originated the Bland-Allison Act, and former Iowa Governor Horace Boies, with Bland considered the frontrunner. The BlandAllison Act was vetoed by President Rutherford B. Hayes, but was enacted by Congress over his veto on February 28, 1878. Was personal ; he bore no ill-will towards those who supported the gold standard, not the case ; was! Rutherford B. Hayes, but was enacted by Congress over his veto on February 28,.! 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