PBS
Pbs: American Experience: William Jennings Bryan "Cross of Gold" Speech
Read the famous Cross of Gold speech given by William Jennings Bryan, Democratic party presidential candidate in 1896. The party platform was against the establishment of the gold standard.
Other
Earliest Voices: William Jennings Bryan
This resource features historic voice recordings of William Jennings Bryan. There are recordings of many famous orations by him on various political topics, the most famous being his "Cross of Gold" speech. A biography and downloadable...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: A Biography of America: The Elections of 1896 1900
Read about all the factions involved in the campaign and election of 1896 and see how the Democratic Party was split, which resulted in the election of Republican William McKinley. The last part of this essay talks about the campaign of...
Curated OER
History Matters: Bryan's Cross of Gold Speech: Mesmerizing the Masses
Contains the text of the "Cross of Gold" speech delivered by William Jennings Bryan at the 1896 Democratic National Convention. This brings up an important point of view in the free silver controversy in which America debated between the...
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: William Jennings Bryan
Account of Bryan's life and famous quotes for which he is known.
Missouri State University
Southwest Missouri State University: Documents on the Populist Party
Provides links to several documents related to the Populist Party, including: National People's Party Platform, The Negro Question in the South, The Tramp Circular, The "Cross of Gold" Speech, What's the Matter with Kansas, Another...
Charles I. Kelly and Lawrence E. Kelly
American History: Election of 1896: It Came Down to a Question of Money
This program, part of The Making of a Nation from Voice of America gives a very good description of the issues in the presidential campaign of 1896. Learn about the differences between the gold bugs and silverites, a third party...
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...