History of Europe

Those who supported the free coinage of silver?

Groups and individuals who historically supported the free coinage of silver include:

- Populist Party: The People's Party (also known as the Populists) was an American political party founded in the late 19th century. The party advocated for economic reforms such as the free coinage of silver, government control of the money supply, and the graduated income tax.

- Farmers: Many farmers in the United States during the 19th century supported the free coinage of silver as a way to increase the money supply and inflate prices, which would have reduced their debt burden and made their products more competitive in international markets.

- Mining Interests: Silver mining interests in the United States also supported the free coinage of silver, as it would have increased the demand for silver and therefore increased their profits.

- William Jennings Bryan: William Jennings Bryan was a politician and orator who served as the Democratic Party's nominee for president of the United States in 1896 and 1908. Bryan was a vocal advocate of the free coinage of silver and made it a central issue in his presidential campaigns.

- Others: Other groups and individuals who supported the free coinage of silver included labor unions, small businesses, and those who believed that a bimetallic currency (one based on both gold and silver) was more stable and beneficial than a gold-only currency.