Cross of Gold speech facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Cross of Gold speech

William Jennings Bryan carried on the shoulders of delegates after giving the speech.
Date	July 9, 1896
Time	2:00 pm
Location	Chicago, Illinois
Outcome	Bryan nominated for president by the Democrats

The "Cross of Gold speech" was a very famous speech. It was given by William Jennings Bryan. He was a former congressman from Nebraska. He gave the speech at the 1896 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. This happened on July 9, 1896.

In his speech, Bryan talked about money. He supported using both gold and silver for money. This speech helped him become the Democratic Party's choice for president. Many people think it is one of the most important political speeches in American history.

What Was the Speech About?

For about 20 years, Americans had big disagreements. They argued about how the nation's money should work. The gold standard was one idea. The United States had mostly used it since 1873.

Gold vs. Silver

The gold standard meant that the amount of money in the country was limited. It was tied to how much gold the government had. This made it easier to trade with countries like the United Kingdom. Their money was also based on gold.

However, many people wanted to use both gold and silver. They believed that making both gold and silver legal tender would help the country. Legal tender means money that must be accepted for debts. They thought this would bring more money into circulation. This would help people who owed money.

The Speech's Big Impact

Bryan's speech was given at the end of a big debate. This debate was about what the party believed in. His speech really excited everyone at the convention. It is often said that his speech helped him get chosen as the presidential candidate.

However, he lost the main election. He lost to William McKinley. After that, the United States officially decided to use only the gold standard in 1900.

The Famous Ending

Bryan wanted to create inflation. Inflation means money becomes less valuable. This would help people who were in debt. It would make their debts easier to pay off.

The most famous part of his speech gives it its name. He said:

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.

Images for kids

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  Congressman Richard P. Bland

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  The Chicago Coliseum

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  Former Iowa Governor Horace Boies was a major contender for the Democratic nomination for president in 1896.

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  In a 1900 engraving, former Massachusetts Governor William E. Russell is shown preceding Bryan in addressing the convention.

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  The 1896 Democratic National Convention

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  Bryan campaigning on stage a few months after the speech

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  A "Bryan dollar" issued by his opponents to illustrate the difference between the size of a silver dollar and the amount of bullion that could be purchased with a dollar.