Read the quotation from William Jennings Bryan’s “Cross of Gold” speech.“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 of the following best describes Bryan’s opinion about currency?

Bryan’s image of labor wearing a “crown of thorns” and mankind being “crucified” on gold portrays the gold standard as a burden on ordinary people. He argued that relying only on gold currency harmed workers and favored wealthy interests. Thus, choice C, “The gold standard hurts every worker in the United States,” best describes his opinion.

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