Who was a prominent advocate for "free silver" in the 1896 presidential election?

William Jennings Bryan emerged as a leading advocate for "free silver" during the 1896 presidential election, which was a pivotal moment in U.S. political history. His support for the "free silver" movement advocated for the unlimited coinage of silver, which he believed would help inflate the currency and alleviate the economic distress faced by farmers and working-class individuals. This stance was particularly appealing during a time of economic hardship and deflation, which had severely impacted agrarian communities.

Bryan's famous "Cross of Gold" speech at the Democratic National Convention showcased his passionate advocacy for silver, portraying the issue as a moral battle against the interests of banking and business. His position galvanized support among many who felt marginalized by the existing gold standard and sought reforms that would favor a more inclusive economic policy.

In contrast, figures like Grover Cleveland, Alton B. Parker, and Franklin D. Roosevelt did not champion "free silver" in the same way. Cleveland, who served prior to the election, was a proponent of the gold standard and even opposed the free silver movement during his presidency. Parker, the Democratic nominee in the 1904 election, did not prominently advocate for free silver and focused on other issues. FDR, coming to prominence