Question

(HC)The excerpt below comes from a speech given by William Jennings Bryan in 1896:



"Having behind us the producing masses of this nation and the world, supported by the commercial interests, the laboring interests and the toilers everywhere, we will answer their demand for a gold standard by saying to them: You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns, you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold."



Which statement explains Bryan's reason for giving this speech?



to convince non-union workers to join the Socialist Party


to convince Congress to pass a minimum wage law
to convince American businessmen to consider human rights as well as profits
to convince Americans to support the expansion of the money supply

Answer 1

I would believe it to be:

to convince Congress to pass a minimum wage law
or
to convince American businessmen to consider human rights as well as profits

I think this because of:
"You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns, you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold."

If I break this into parts:

You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns = You will not treat us unfairly.

you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold = You will give us fair payment.
So it's either of those too, I'm just not sure. :|

Honestly I think it was: business v. individual rights so:
to convince American businessmen to consider human rights as well as profits
Would be my choice.

Answer 2

Thank you!

Answer 3

Ha, No problem I'm just here to help :P

Answer 4

if you are looking this up for American History summer school, the correct answer is: to convince Americans to support the expansion of the money supply

Answer 5

was it correct?