In 1896, several major Democrats who considered the gold standard to be crucial for a stable economy had refused to endorse the presidential candidacy of William Jennings Bryan, who advocated the free coinage of silver. They either remained inactive during the campaign or supported the breakaway National Democrats (“Goldbugs”). In 1900, with the money question seemingly resolved in favor of the gold standard, many Gold Democrats returned to the party fold and backed Bryan for president.
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1860
