bryan's cross of gold political cartoon analysisbryan's cross of gold political cartoon analysis

[13], The effects of the depression which began in 1893, and which continued through 1896, ruined many Americans. More than a century after Bryan delivered that speech, his words still have power, and some of his metaphors still appear in political speeches and platforms. . It marked the first american victory over a European power. [32], The 1896 Democratic convention opened at the Chicago Coliseum on July 7, 1896. "[60] Bensel noted, "The pump was more than primed, it was ready to explode. Another reporter approached him and asked him who he thought would win the nomination. If you will read what Thomas Benton said, you will find that he said that in searching history he could find but one parallel to Andrew Jackson. Pledging support for American workers, he sought high tariffs to make foreign manufactured goods unattractive and he supported the gold standard. We have entreated, and our entreaties have been disregarded. The audio portion is an excerpt. It was clear to listeners as he worked his way through the comparisons that he would refer to the farmer, and when he did, the hall exploded with sound. "[69] The gold men, during the address, paid close attention and showed their appreciation for Bryan's oratory. Reprinted in The Annals of America, Vol. On the night of July 8, William Jennings Bryan revealed himself as the candidate the silverites were looking for by delivering one of the most famous speeches in American history. The silver would be struck into dollar coins to be circulated, or else stored and used as backing for silver certificates. The Akron Journal and Republican, no friend to Bryan, opined that "never probably has a national convention been swayed or influenced by a single speech as was the national Democratic convention". Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. But in this contest, brother has been arrayed against brother, and father against son. As Hill moved to the podium, a reporter friend passed Bryan a note urging him to make a patriotic speech without hint of sectionalism; Bryan responded, "You will not be disappointed. The third ballot saw Bland still in the lead, but Bryan took the lead on the fourth ballot. However, as late as June, the gold forces, which still controlled the Democratic National Committee (DNC), continued to believe that the nominee could be pro-gold. Bryan, who remained at his hotel, sent word to the Nebraska delegation to make no deals on his behalf. UPTO 50% OFF ON ALL PRODUCTS. The dissidents nominated their own ticket; the split in the vote would contribute to Bryan's defeat. BRYAN CARRIES ON THE SHOULDERS OF HIS ADMIRERS AFTER HIS ORATION. They tell us that the income tax ought not to be brought in here; that is not a new idea. When McKinley and his advisers, such as industrialist and future senator Mark Hanna, realized that the views were more than transitory, they began intensive fundraising from corporations and the wealthy. Accordingly, Bryan became the final speaker on the platform. [59] According to political scientist Richard F. Bensel in his study of the 1896 Democratic convention, "Although the silver men knew they would win this fight, they nonetheless needed someone to tell themand the gold menwhy they must enshrine silver at the heart of the platform. With the powerful words he used, Bryan showed his support to the Populists. The individual is but an atom; he is born, he acts, he dies; but principles are eternal, and this has been a contest over a principle. [87] The Chicago Tribune reported that Bryan had lit the spark "which touched off the trail of gun-powder". Pursuant to this promise, government gold reserves dwindled over the following three years. [74], With this call to action, Bryan abandoned any hint at compromise, and adopted the techniques of the radical, polarizing orator, finding no common ground between silver and gold forces. I shall object to bringing this question down to a level of persons. The Democratic Party wanted to create more upward mobility for people. The President's move was opposed by the Democratic Governor of Illinois, John Altgeld. [99], Bryan's speech is considered one of the most powerful political addresses in American history. [16] By 1893, his views on silver had evolved, and on the floor of the House of Representatives, he delivered a riveting three-hour address against repeal of the Silver Purchase Act. When you come before us and tell us that we shall disturb your business interests, we reply that you have disturbed our business interests by your action. According to Jones, it was clear that Bland could not win, and that Bryan could not be stopped. Those who are opposed to this proposition tell us that the issue of paper money is a function of the bank and that the government ought to go out of the banking business. Speakers in some states cursed Cleveland; the South Carolina convention denounced him. Mr. Carlisle said in 1878 that this was a struggle between the idle holders of idle capital and the struggling masses who produce the wealth and pay the taxes of the country; and my friends, it is simply a question that we shall decide upon which side shall the Democratic Party fight. We reply to them that changing conditions make new issues; that the principles upon which rest Democracy are as everlasting as the hills; but that they must be applied to new conditions as they arise. [27] The leader of those who left was Colorado Senator Henry M. Teller; he was immediately spoken of as a possible candidate for the Democratic nomination. Mr. McKinley was the most popular man among the Republicans ; and everybody three months ago in the Republican Party prophesied his election. Let me call attention to two or three great things. The BlandAllison Act was vetoed by President Rutherford B. Hayes, but was enacted by Congress over his veto on February 28, 1878. Bryan consented, on condition that his own time was extended by the same amount; this was agreed to. More than that, we can tell them this, that they will search the pages of history in vain to find a single instance in which the common people of any land ever declared themselves in favor of a gold standard. Behind the scenes and the irony: -fueling of the trucks uncaring of the president iv. Students will be engaged by analyzing this speech, a political cartoon, and being able to critically think . Even so, in 1900, Congress passed the Gold Standard Act, formally placing the United States on that standard. [1][78], Now, Bryan was ready to conclude the speech, and according to his biographer, Michael Kazin, step "into the headlines of American history". He says he also wants to amend this platform so as to provide that if we fail to maintain the parity within a year that we will then suspend the coinage of silver. It simply intends to put the burdens of government justly upon the backs of the people. From the beginning of the speech, Bryan suggests that his cause is righteous and. On the 4th of March, 1895, a few Democrats, most of them members of Congress, issued an address to the Democrats of the nation asserting that the money question was the paramount issue of the hour; asserting also the right of a majority of the Democratic Party to control the position of the party on this paramount issue; concluding with the request that all believers in free coinage of silver in the Democratic Party should organize and take charge of and control the policy of the Democratic Party. He faced in the direction of the gold-dominated state delegations: There are two ideas of government. Out of all of the prominent business figures that arose during the Gilded Age, Andrew Carnegie is perhaps viewed in the most positive light. I had never had such an opportunity before in my life and never expect to have again. Our war is not a war of conquest; we are fighting in the defense of our homes, our families, and posterity. William Jennings Bryan. [33] Silver forces were supported by the Democratic National Bimetallic Committee, the umbrella group formed in 1895 to support silver Democrats in their insurgency against Cleveland. The year 1894 saw considerable labor unrest. Cleveland friend and former Postmaster General Donald M. Dickinson wrote to the President in June 1896 hoping that the delegates would recognize "common sense" and be frightened at the thought of nominating a radical. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. [87], According to the New York World, "Lunacy having dictated the platform, it was perhaps natural that hysteria should evolve the candidate. Jones deemed the Democrats likely to nominate a candidate who would appeal to the Populist Party, and Bryan had been elected to Congress with Populist support. We have simply called attention to what you know. He also proposed the establishment of a mint, at which citizens could present gold or silver, and receive it back, struck into money. The sympathies of the Democratic Party, as described by the platform, are on the side of the struggling masses, who have ever been the foundation of the Democratic Party. 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. But in the early 20th century, the fame of Bryans Cross of Gold speech led him to repeat it numerous times on the Chautauqua lecture circuit where he was an enormously popular speaker. "[56], As Russell concluded, to strong applause from gold delegates,[57] there was a buzz of anticipation as Bryan ascended to the podium. If the gold standard is a good thing, why try to get rid of it? (Wikipedia). "[80], It took about 25minutes to restore order, and according to Bensel, "somewhere in the mass demonstration that was convulsing the convention hall, the transfer of sentiment from silver as a policy to Bryan as a presidential candidate took place". He says that he wants this country to try to secure an international agreement. This legislation defined a unit of value for the new nation, to be known as a dollar. The Cross of Gold speechwas delivered by William Jennings Bryan, a former United States Representativefrom Nebraska, at the Democratic National Conventionin Chicagoon July 9, 1896. "[67] Harpine suggested that, "by appealing in such an uncompromising way to the agrarian elements and to the West, Bryan neglected the national audience who would vote in the November election". But we stand here representing people who are the equals before the law of the largest cities in the state of Massachusetts. Although he would only be 36 years old in 1896one year above the constitutional minimumhe believed the silver question could carry him not only to the nomination, but to the presidency. We have petitioned, and our petitions have been scorned. According to William Jennings Byran:. Despite vocal opposition led by Tennessee Representative (and future president) Andrew Johnson, the precious metal content of smaller silver coins was reduced in 1853. Analysis Of William Bryan'S The Cross Of Gold Speech: [Essay Example], 692 words GradesFixer. Latuff here in this cartoon is showing the uncaring of the president to the country. They are also most often funny. Pro-silver forces, with congressional leaders such as Missouri Representative Richard P. Bland, sought the passage of bills to allow depositors of silver bullion to receive it back in the form of coin. The majority of cartoons are from the 1908 campaigan, but there cartoons that feature 1920 election and Bryan's borther Charles Bryan. [79] As he moved towards his seat, the Coliseum burst into pandemonium. [66][70], Through this passage, Bryan maintained the contrast between the common man and the city-dwelling elite. If they tell us that the gold standard is the standard of civilization, we reply to them that this, the most enlightened of all nations of the earth, has never declared for a gold standard, and both the parties this year are declaring against it. He decried the gold standard, concluding the speech, "you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold". Because upon the paramount issue in this campaign there is not a spot of ground upon which the enemy will dare to challenge battle. That will give you criticisms. For one thing, he began the 1896 convention without any official statusthe Democratic National Committee, which made the initial determination of which delegations would be seated, had chosen the pro-gold Nebraskans to represent their state. They could only beg them to spare the party the humiliation of broken traditions and the overthrowing of established control. The Nebraskan later described the audience as like a trained choir. [38] On the evening of July 5, Bryan was visited by a delegation of Coloradans, seeking his support for Senator Teller. [100] Stanley Jones, however, suggested that even if Bryan had never delivered it, he would still have been nominated. The Cross of Gold was a speech given by William Jennings Bryan at the Democratic National Convention in 1896 which advocated for bimetallism, or the use of both gold and silver in funding the currency. Albert Shaw, editor of The Review of Reviews, stated that after Bryan's nomination, many easterners professed not to have heard of him but: "If, indeed, they had not heard of Mr. Bryan before, they had failed to follow closely the course of American politics in the past eight years. If they say bimetallism is good but we cannot have it till some nation helps us, we reply that, instead of having a gold standard because England has, we shall restore bimetallism, and then let England have bimetallism because the United States have. The legislation also established the Mint of the United States. madonna album sales worldwide soldiers and sailors memorial auditorium events jeffrey disick death brightness of a colour crossword clue 4 letters nba 2k22 lakers all time roster [87] The pro-silver Cleveland Plain Dealer called Bryan's speech "an eloquent, stirring, and manly appeal". The bankers did not want loans repaid in an inflated currencythe gold standard was deflationary, and as creditors, they preferred to be paid in such a currency, whereas debtors preferred to repay in inflated currency. Some of the impoverished died of disease or starvation; others killed themselves.[15]. The full text of William Jenning Bryan's famous "Cross of Gold" speech appears below. Bryan continued with language evoking the Civil War, telling his audience that "in this contest brother has been arrayed against brother, father against son. When the Republicans in June 1896 nominated former Ohio Governor William McKinley for president and passed at his request a platform strongly supporting "sound money" (the gold standard unless modified by international agreement), a number of "Silver Republicans" walked out of the convention. His opponent, William Jennings Bryan (who Littlefield suggested was represented by the cowardly lion in The Wizard of Oz) was famous for his "Cross of Gold" speech. President Cleveland sent federal troops to Illinois to end the Pullman strikeworkers at the Pullman Palace Car Company, which made railroad cars, had struck after wages were cut. Here is the line of battle. [7] This would inflate the money supply, and, adherents argued, increase the nation's prosperity. [58] Bryan's lecture tours had left him a well-known spokesman for silver. But destroy our farms and the grass will grow in the streets of every city in the country. This statement attracted great cheering, and Bryan turned to rhetorically demolish the compromise position on bimetallismthat it should only be accomplished through international agreement: It is the issue of 1776 over again. He was defeated in the general election by the Republican candidate, former Ohio governor William McKinley . The sympathies of the Democratic Party, as shown by the platform, are on the side of the struggling masses, who have ever been the foundation of the Democratic Party.[77]. W.J. People who were free-silver thought that currency reform would end them. If they dare to come out in the open field and defend the gold standard as a good thing, we will fight them to the uttermost. The late 19th century saw divergent views in economics as the laissez-faire orthodoxy was questioned by younger economists, and both sides found ample support for their views from theorists. [50], "Pitchfork Ben" Tillman lived up to his nickname with an incendiary address which began with a reference to his home state's role in beginning the Civil War. I would be presumptuous, indeed, to present myself against the distinguished gentlemen to whom you have listened if this were but a measuring of ability; but this is not a contest among persons. Can you find the other strategies in his speech? For twenty years, Americans had been bitterly divided over the nation's monetary standard. At 36 years old, with two terms in Congress and a failed 1894 run for Senate under his belt, Bryan was the party's most outspoken and effective champion of silver. [51], The debate on the platform opened at the start of the third day of the convention, July 9, 1896. Bryan later wrote, "This was another unexpected bit of good fortune. Burn down your cities and leave our farms, and your cities will spring up again as if by magic. Never before in the history of this country has there been witnessed such a contest as that through which we have just passed. If they dare to come out in the open field and 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. Other delegations, seeing that Bryan would be nominated, also switched, securing the victory. The session was supposed to begin at 10:00a.m., but as delegates, slowed by the long commute from the hotels to the Coliseum and fatigue from the first two days, did not arrive on time, proceedings did not begin until 10:45. Leave a comment. There were a large number of potential candidates seen as having less support; these included Vice President Adlai Stevenson of Illinois, Senator Joseph C. Blackburn of Kentucky, Senator Teller, and Bryan.[43]. Shall we, their descendants, when we have grown to 70 million, declare that we are less independent than our forefathers? Bryan also ran in the years 1900 and 1908 which became failures. Introduction: -attractions of a political cartoon ii. [64], Bryan's opening claimed no personal prestige for himselfbut nevertheless placed him as the spokesman for silver. There are two ideas of government. We care not upon which issue they force the fight. Our war is not a war of conquest. However, he stated, facing towards the gold delegates, "when you come before us and tell us that we are about to disturb your business interests, we reply that you have disturbed our business interests by your course. Known as an orator even then, Bryan had not always favored free silver out of conviction, stating in 1892 that he was for it because the people of Nebraska were for it. We do not come as individuals. [20], Bryan had long planned to run for president. William Jennings Bryan, gifted orator and three-time presidential candidate was born on March 19, 1860, in Salem, Illinois. (The cartoon appeared in the post-dated July 7 issue of Harper's Weekly, published in late June.) In his address, Bryan supported "free silver" (i.e. [54] He was followed by two other gold men, Senator William Vilas of Wisconsin and former Massachusetts Governor William E. Russell. Mr. "[55] Hill gave a calm speech defending the gold position, and swayed few delegates. The task of relieving the jobless fell to churches and other charities, as well as to labor unions. time before some commentator alludes to William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" speech at the 1896 Democratic convention as the leading example of an orator's ability to sway listeners. 28 Monday Mar 2016. McKinley won more easily than in 1896, making inroads in the silver West. (This inflationary measure would have increased the amount of money in circulation and aided cash-poor and debt-burdened farmers.) I am in favor of an income tax. Document Analysis: "Cross of Gold" In 1896, three years after the "Panic of 1893", a man by the name of William Jennings Bryan delivered one of the most historical speeches to this day. "[91] Bryan's words gave rise to later economic and political philosophies, including Huey Long's 1930s Share Our Wealth program, with its trigger phrase, "Every Man a King" inspired by Bryan's speech. The 36-year old Bryan was an avowed bimetallist, placed himself in the tradition of Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson against moneyed interests and in favor of "hardy pioneers who braved all. Bryan's 1896 campaign was groundbreaking for more than his oratorical skill. He mocked McKinley, said by some to resemble Napoleon, noting that he was nominated on the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. It also repealed the statutory provisions allowing silver bullion to be presented to the Mint and returned in the form of circulating money. [1] Bryan's address helped catapult him to the Democratic Party's presidential nomination and is considered one of the greatest political speeches in American history. Mark Zuckerberg - Zuckerberg in April 2019. However, Bryan, lacking a seat at the start of the convention, could not be elected temporary chairman. Advocates of the gold standard attributed the decline to advances in production and transportation. [71] The police in the convention hall, not sharing the enthusiasm for silver, were described by the press (some of whose members were caught up in the frenzy) as standing as if they thought the audience was about to turn on them. An 1896 cartoon of William Jennings Bryan supporting "Free Silver." What exactly did he mean that money did not need to be "backed" by gold? [18], Despite the repeal of the act, economic conditions failed to improve. [96] Bryan spoke on silver throughout the campaign; he rarely addressed other issues. William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925), the U.S. congressman from Nebraska, three-time presidential nominee and secretary of state, emerged near the end of the 19th century as a leading voice . [83], The balloting began the following morning, July 10, with a two-thirds vote necessary to nominate. Content can enter the public domain when copyright has expired, has been forfeited or is not applicable. Four years previously, the former Nebraska congressman had electrified Democratic delegates with his "Cross of Gold" speech, which defined the policy of "free silver" as a moral crusade and helped propel him to the party's presidential nomination . [44] Bryan had been waiting outside the committee room when his rivals were seated by a 2723 vote; contemporary accounts state he was "somewhat surprised" at the result. Consciousness of grievances of years and not of months was reflected in the decisive action of the state Democratic conventions in the spring and early summer of 1896. Subscribe 84K views 7 years ago This is a speech from Democratic Candidate William Jennings Bryan, which he originally delivered in 1896. Historian James A. Barnes, in his historical journal article pointing out myths that have arisen about Bryan's candidacy and campaign, stated that Bryan's efforts bore fruit even before the convention: By April, 1896, many individuals were quietly working for Bryan's nomination. The silver campaign of 1896 was a big controversy among the people. Contemporary estimates were an unemployment rate as high as 25%. Cleveland tried to replenish the Treasury through issuance of bonds which could only be purchased with gold, with little effect but to increase the public debt, as the gold continued to be withdrawn in redemption for paper and silver currency. Congress did so, but the debates showed bitter divides in both major parties between silver and gold factions. We demand that the standard silver dollar shall be a full legal tender, equally with gold, for all debts, public and private, and we favor such legislation as will prevent for the future the demonitization of any kind of legal tender by private contract. But Bryan first wished to tie the silver question to a greater cause:[46][76], Upon which side will the Democratic Party fight; upon the side of "the idle holders of idle capital" or upon the side of "the struggling masses"? This was not the case; Bryan was well known as an orator on the tariff and silver questions. Three months ago, when it was confidently asserted that those who believed in the gold standard would frame our platforms and nominate our candidates, even the advocates of the gold standard did not think that we could elect a President; but they had good reasons for the suspicion, because there is scarcely a state here today asking for the gold standard that is not within the absolute control of the Republican Party. Source: Official Proceedings of the Democratic National Convention Held in Chicago, Illinois, July 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, 1896, (Logansport, Indiana, 1896), 226234. Never before in the history of this country has there been witnessed such a contest as that through which we have passed. Bryan's "Cross of Gold" Speech: Mesmerizing the Masses The most famous speech in American political history was delivered by William Jennings Bryan on July 9, 1896, at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. [94], Bryan's nomination divided the party. Mr. Jefferson, who was once regarded as good Democratic authority, seems to have a different opinion from the gentleman who has addressed us on the part of the minority. . With far less money than McKinley, Bryan embarked on a nationwide campaign tour by train on a then-unprecedented scale. Instructors: CLICK HERE to request a free trial account (only available to college instructors) Primary Source Readers He would subsequently win the Democratic nomination for president in 1900 and again . William Jennings Bryan and the Cross of Gold Speech - US 101 - YouTube In 1896, former Nebraska Congressman William Jennings Bryan became the Democratic nominee for President by delivering. He then lowered them, descended from the podium, and began to head back to his seat as the stillness held. Some people, for the most part Democrats, joined the far-left Populist Party. The "Cross Of Gold" speech was a speech by William which helped propel the convention to nominate him as a Democratic presidential candidate. They manufactured that leader in the convention, a fabrication in which Bryan was only too happy to assist.[108]. William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" oration was primarily an expression of his (A) fundamentalist religious beliefs (B) neutral stance toward the belligerents of the First World War (C) advocacy of free and unlimited coinage of silver (D) opposition to teaching the theory of evolution in public schools (E) anti-imperialist convictions Grant Hamilton cartoon for Judge Magazine on William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" speech, Democratic National Convention, Chicago, July 9, 1896. The temporary chairmanship, for example, would have permitted him to deliver the keynote address. [8] During the economic chaos of the Panic of 1873, the price of silver dropped significantly, but the Mint would accept none for striking into legal tender. [5] It was not until 1834 that Congress acted, changing the gold/silver ratio to 16.002:1. BRYAN: CROSS OF GOLD. I tell you that the great cities rest upon these broad and fertile prairies. Bryan is arguing against the gold standard and so he isn't apt to paint gold in those idyllic terms. It is the issue of 1776 over again. Cross of Gold Speech - Analysis | Milestone Documents - Milestone Documents William Jennings Bryan: "Cross of Gold" Speech Log in to see the full document and commentary.

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