William Jennings Bryan's Speech Summary: What Is The Gold Standard?

On July 9, 1896 William Jennings Bryan delivered his famous Cross of Gold speech. It is known as one of the most unforgettable speeches ever given. In his speech he talked over the issues of the gold standard and why there should be free coinage of silver. However, this is not the only thing he discusses, it is just a fraction of it. With words of pure wisdom he had no problem sharing them with those who were willing to lend a listening ear. He was a very intellectual man who makes sure his audience understands what he is trying to interpret in his speeches.
A political man with ideas of excellence and proof to back everything he believed, he had no issue fighting for change within the system. As a politician his main goal was to persuade

the people in the United States to vote against the gold standard and choose him as a presidential nominee for the upcoming election.
Throughout his speech he goes on to list the reasons why it is plausible to put silver into circulation and how it can better the society.

Touching on how the gold standard is one of the most controversial issues to come about in all of history and needs to be repented. He wants all those in favor of free coinage of silver within the Democratic party to combine forces and take over the Democratic Party. Following his request, they did manage to do so and proposed their thoughts on to those with higher power. They will not take no for an answer and will no longer beg for it to be accepted. In his speech he says, they “fight in defense of our homes, our families, and posterity.” If their plans were to fail,which they had no doubt, then an agreement was made to suspend the coinage of

silver.
He reiterated that if the gold standard is good thing then they would not be subject to change, however it is not and with reformations comes new problems.

The only right solution would be to do away with it completely. He is not criticizing the gold standard, although some people do believe that he just brings attention to what everyone else already knew. Income tax and free silver coinage were not seen unconstitutional until someone from the Supreme Court ruled it as such, this led to making citizens believe it as well. Mr. Bryan was trying to prove that it was not unconstitutional at all that was just the belief of one. Although, the ultimate decision is in the hands of the government. Gaining as allie Mr. Jefferson, well respected in the Democratic society, says the problem is with the banks being in circulation with paper money rather with the gold itself. The real question is if the gold standard is a good thing then he wants to know why their party has been said to try and replace with bimetallism? However just four months earlier they on board with the gold standard and would not amend it to enable two metals to be in circulation even of the whole world was involved. He says If the gold standard was truly good then he would not be working so hard to remove it but to improve it. When people look back in time they will realize that the gold standard was not needed, so why keep it? Without the restorations of money for the Constitution, how do you expect to have a

reform. It is just not possible.
Mr. Bryan was on the side of those struggling with money not those with plentiful amounts or those wasting the money they have acquired. Citizens in big cities may be in favor of the gold stand, but without the farmers how would they get the everyday essentials they so desperately need? The farms do not need cities prosper, but the city does need the farmers. William Jennings Bryan expressed that we should not have to have the consent of other nations in order to legislate who we see fit, we should be able to do that on our own. He is not attacking those in favor, but rather providing information that has not yet slipped through the cracks to the general public. He rather us make a change first and have other nations copying us instead of other nations doing it first and the United States follow in suit. Mr. Bryan says if anyone has the guts to challenge them, saying that the gold standard is a good thing they will fight them with their uttermost abilities and win with all the supporters they received. He has had enough and says “we shall answer the demands for the 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.”
With such a passion in his beliefs it is not hard for anyone to comprehend what he is saying and be willing to side with him. The proof is evident as William Jennings Bryan is sure to provide. The society seems biased and not on board with his ideas at first, but do eventually start seeing eye to eye. They open their minds to different ideas and finally agree with the idea of using silver along with gold. This was very good for the Democratic party, yet William McKinley did ultimately end up defeated William Jennings Bryan in the election. This memorable speech was one of the most important things to occur during that time period. It sparked a major movement and reform with the economy which affected millions. Without it America would not be as it is today. It brought attention to what others were afraid to express and what was really happening so long ago.
To me it was a remarkable speech that left a mark on the world. It inspired so many and encouraged those just watching from the sideline. There is always need for a little change and without a little push how can we expect to get anything done. When others repented against Mr. Bryan’s ideas he still fought for what he believed. It is incredible how the words and drive of others affect so many people. A change in the economy that was slowly corrupting was all that was needed to keep America afloat and from going bankrupt and into a panic.