University of Groningen
American History: Documents: William J Bryan Cross of Gold Speech July 8, 1896
Read William Jennings Bryan's speech delivered at the Democratic National Convention in 1896; it is considered one of the greatest political speeches in American history.
Northern Illinois University
Illinois in the Gilded Age: 1896: The Cross of Gold
This is a very informative look at the politics involved in the campaign of 1896 where one of the main issues was the conflict between the gold standard and free silver. Read about the results of the election and the defeat of Populist...
Harp Week
Harp Week: The Presidential Elections: 1896 Mc Kinley v. Bryan
A three-page look at the campaign and election of 1896 in which William McKinley, the Republican candidate, ran against Wiliam Jennings Bryan, the Democratic candidate. Read about the nominating conventions, the platforms, and the...
Nebraska Studies
Nebraska Studies: Roots of Progressivism
A lengthy discussion of Populism and the Populist Party, especially in Nebraska. Read about the Populist Party platform, issues, candidates, and how populism formed the roots of the progressivism in the early 20th century.
Vassar College
Vassar College: 1896: Populist Party Platform
This 1896, Website of Political Cartoons page presents the People's (Populist) Party platform of 1896. The platform discusses the finances, railroads and telegraphs, the public lands, the referendum, the territories, public salaries,...
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: William Mc Kinley: The Campaign and Election of 1896
Read about the campaign of 1896 in which William McKinley represented the Republican Party and William Jennings Bryan the Democratic Party. One big issue was the contrast between the use of the gold standard as opppsed to free silver.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: William Jennings Bryan, Free Silver
This 3-page Library of Congress article provides information on William Jennings Bryan and the Free Silver Movement of 1896.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Election of 1896
Read about the election of 1896 which had one candidate representing two political parties, and the other candidate who did not campaign. See what people supported the Democratic candidate and why. Find out who was elected and who...
Curated OER
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1896, A Website for Political Cartoons, explains the "Free Silver" campaign of the Populists and the opposing "Sound Money" position. Includes lengthy quotes from publications of the era and links to many editorial cartoons on both sides...