Economic unrest and the repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act led to the rise of the pro-silver leader

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The repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act in 1893 caused economic unrest and a decline in silver prices. Many farmers and working-class Americans who relied on silver as a form of currency saw their livelihoods threatened. William Jennings Bryan emerged as the leader of the pro-silver movement, giving his famous "Cross of Gold" speech advocating for the free coinage of silver. However, he lost the 1896 presidential election to William McKinley, who favored the gold standard.

Economic Unrest and the Repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchase