Cross of Gold

1. Cross of Gold William Jennings Bryan Taylor Saunders

2. William Jennings Bryan • Democratic politician • Influential in politics during the 1890’s • Presidential candidate three times: • 1896 • 1900 • 1908 • Strongly opposed the gold standard

3. Speaker • William Jennings Bryan • Bryan was a leader of the democratic party and a presidential candidate. This speech was said to give Bryan the edge to be chosen as the democratic representation in the election.

4. occasion • Democratic convention of 1896 • Bryan delivered this speech at the Democratic national convention of 1896. He delivered this speech is opposition of the gold standard. This stance he took was a strong part of his political platform.

5. audience • Citizens of the US • This speech was delivered towards the United States. Bryan more specifically aimed this towards the democratic vote, since he was the presidential candidate. This speech could be considered propaganda in his campaign.

6. purpose • To persuade the people against the gold standard. • Bryan wanted to show the United States of America why the gold standard would be nothing but bad for us. He strongly opposed of it and believed we as a country should too. He also wanted to persuade people’s votes in the upcoming election.

7. subject • Adoption of the gold standard in the US • The adoption of the gold standard in the United States had been an ongoing topic of discussion for almost twenty years. William Jennings Bryan was in strong opposition of this standard. His rival, William McKinley won the election and later adopted the gold standard in the US.

8. tone • Persuasive. • Bryan wanted to be able to persuade enough people to be influential in the countries decision regarding the gold standard. If he could get this information out and get others to vote his way, he felt like he could save the country from what the gold standard would bring.

9. Speech • Speech audio excerpt.

10. ethos • Bryan establishes ethos by being an influential politician at the time. Since he was a well known politician, this made his opinion more reputable. By choosing one topic to focus on, the gold standard, he came across as more sincere about it.

11. logos • Bryan uses historical references to build the logical basis of his argument. He also gives some factual information about the gold standard. Doing so gives the audience more of a background knowledge of the content of the speech, making them more likely to focus in on what Bryan is saying and potentially agree.

12. pathos • Bryan connects with his audience by using pathos. He creates an emotional response with the audience as a way to connect. The last line in his speech is “You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns; you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold.” This is a biblical reference to the crucifixion of Jesus. When Bryan says this line, he stands with his arms outstretched in the shape of a cross.

13. Political cartoon • This political cartoon depicts William Jennings Bryan standing beside a cross of gold with a crown of thorns. However, this picture depicts him tramping the bible. This was an attack on him from the opposition.