The Cross of Gold - America's Greatest Speech?

The Cross of Gold Speech and the Free Silver Movement

Black Section Separator Audio Attribution

The Cross of Gold speech by William Jennings Bryan, delivered at the 1896 Democratic National Convention, is one of the most impactful in American history, helping Bryan secure the Democratic presidential nomination.

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In 1896, the debate over whether gold or silver should back U.S. currency was intense, influencing political platforms and public sentiment.

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[{"selector":"#anim-48526671-8d77-4e3d-913a-3e834e89120a","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-115.18988%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-7786438a-7a9f-4361-9c19-922390ddadc7","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-a5307046-cce7-4fe3-b300-7e22a82f9e15","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.15)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-b5a51d45-7e10-4602-be93-067f337e564b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-21.874999829338588%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":10000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Black Section Separator The Cross of Gold speech exemplifies the power of public speaking and advocacy, highlighting a pivotal moment in U.S. monetary policy history. Learn more