What was the intent of William Jennings Bryans Cross of Gold speech?
msbrenner Teacher High School – 11th Grade eNotes Editor He was addressing the conflict over the gold standard (whether to broaden America’s specie to Gold and Silver) The moneylenders were concerned because they were afraid that this would cause inflation (ie. the money they would be paid back would be worth less than the money that had lended). It was supported by the farmers and the Democrats because of the money issues stated before (farmers obviously have to borrow money) but also because it would stop deflation (which would make the democrats more politically popular). His ‘intent’ was to fire people up about it. This is a time in American history where emotion is trumping logic/reason–they are used to sermons like the ‘spiders dangling over the pits of hell’ by Edwards, they are moved to action by emotion. I like Bryan…he’s a firecracker! I always show my students that in most of the representations of him he is red faced and with his hands in the air! 🙂 Rate answer: $(‘#aSc
