Answer:
The correct answer is C. William Jennings Bryan was the Populist presidential candidate in 1896.
Explanation:
William Jennings Bryan was an American lawyer and politician. During his time in the House of Representatives, Bryan became the leader of a group of Democrats who wanted to introduce a silver-based dollar instead of a backing by gold. At the Democratic convention (July 9, 1896), Bryan united the agrarian and silver Democrats and captured the nomination for president. His Cross of Gold speech became one of the most famous speeches in American history.
Major elements of the Democratic Party did not support Bryan outright, and Bryan campaigned by more direct involvement with voters. Known for his oratorical abilities, Bryan delivered dozens of speeches during the campaign to advance his platform of free silver and populism. Bryan gained a large following, especially in the south and west of the United States, but many middle-income and working-class people feared the silver movement and chose the Republican presidential candidate, William McKinley, who eventually won the election.
