The Grand Realignment


Puck, 24 June 1896
Judge, July 1896

William McKinleyWilliam Jennings Bryan
  • Brief Biography
  • Republican Party Platform of 1896
  • The Gold Standard
  • A Foreign Perspective
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  • Brief Biography
  • Democratic Party Platform of 1896
  • Populist Party Platform of 1896
  • Free Silver
  • "Cross of Gold" Speech
    • Related Links

    Cartoons
  • History Repeats Itself
  • The Silver Candle and the Moths
  • The Political Tam O'Shanter
  • Typical Goldbugs
  • The Assassin's Mask
  • The Man in the Middle
  • Uncle Sam as a Peacemaker


    • The presidential election of 1896 pitted Republican William McKinley against William Jennings Bryan, who won both Democratic and People's Party endorsements. While McKinley gave speeches to thousands of visitors in his hometown of Canton, Ohio, Bryan barnstormed around the nation by railroad. McKinley's crushing victory introduced a decade of Republican dominance in Washington.

    The cartoons at this site reflect key issues of the campaign, such as import tariffs and the gold standard. Through cartoons, we can also learn about Americans' racial attitudes, economic conditions, literary tastes, and fads and popular inventions.