William Jennings Bryan and the Gold Standard
...If they dare to come out and in the open defend the gold standard as a good thing, we shall fight them to the uttermost, having behind us the producing masses of the Nation and the world. Having behind us the commercial interests and the laboring interests and all the toiling masses, we shall answer their demands 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.
What was the primary critique of the gold standard presented by William Jennings Bryan in his “Cross of Gold” speech?
A
It discouraged industrial growth beneficial to labor interests.
B
It hindered the development of international trade agreements.
C
It increased federal government power at the expense of local businesses.
D
It oppressed the working class and general populace.
Question Leaderboard
Not enough data yet to show leaderboard.