Who was the leading figure of the Populist Party known for his 'Cross of Gold' speech?

• A. Theodore Roosevelt
• B. William Jennings Bryan
• C. Woodrow Wilson
• D. Herbert Hoover

Answer: (B)

William Jennings Bryan was the leading figure of the Populist Party known for his famous "Cross of Gold" speech delivered at the Democratic National Convention in 1896. This speech advocated for the free coinage of silver as a means to address the economic struggles faced by farmers and laborers, who were suffering from deflation and a scarcity of money. Bryan's impassioned rhetoric aimed to rally support for the working class and combat the interests of wealthy industrialists and banks that benefited from the existing gold standard.

His oratory skills and passionate advocacy captured the national attention and positioned him as a significant political figure, especially representing the interests of the agrarian community. The speech symbolized the broader Populist movement's challenge against the established political and economic systems of the time. This positioned Bryan as a key player in the party that sought to empower ordinary Americans and promote policies beneficial to farmers and laborers during a period of economic turmoil in the United States.