Free Silver

Definition

Free silver refers to the policy advocating the unlimited coinage of silver at a fixed ratio to gold, which was a key economic and political issue in the late 19th century United States. This term is closely connected to the topics of political corruption in the Postbellum era, the key political issues of patronage, tariffs, and the gold standard, as well as the Populist movement's revolt by farmers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The free silver movement sought to increase the money supply by allowing the unlimited coinage of silver, which would have the effect of inflating the currency and reducing the value of the dollar.
2. Proponents of free silver argued that it would benefit farmers and debtors by making it easier to repay loans, while opponents feared it would lead to economic instability and hurt creditors.
3. The Populist Party, which represented the interests of farmers and workers, made the free coinage of silver a central plank of its platform in the 1890s.
4. The debate over free silver was closely tied to the larger political issues of the day, including patronage, tariffs, and the gold standard.
5. The free silver movement ultimately failed to gain traction, and the U.S. remained on the gold standard until the Great Depression.

Review Questions

• Explain how the free silver movement was connected to political corruption in the Postbellum era.
  • The free silver movement was closely tied to the issue of political corruption in the Postbellum era. Proponents of free silver argued that the gold standard was being manipulated by wealthy elites and bankers to maintain their power and influence. They believed that the unlimited coinage of silver would weaken the grip of these corrupt interests and empower the common people, particularly farmers and debtors. The free silver movement thus became a rallying cry for those seeking to challenge the political and economic establishment of the time.
• Describe how the free silver debate was linked to the key political issues of patronage, tariffs, and the gold standard.
  • The free silver debate was deeply intertwined with the broader political issues of the late 19th century, including patronage, tariffs, and the gold standard. Proponents of free silver saw it as a way to undermine the power of the political machine and the influence of wealthy elites, who were often tied to the gold standard and high tariffs. The free silver movement also appealed to farmers and workers who were struggling under the burden of debt and sought a more inflationary monetary policy. Ultimately, the free silver debate became a proxy for the larger struggle between the established political and economic order and the growing populist movement seeking to challenge it.
• Analyze the role of the Populist Party in the free silver movement and its impact on the Farmers' Revolt in the Populist Era.
  • The Populist Party was a key driver of the free silver movement, making it a central plank of its platform in the 1890s. The party sought to represent the interests of farmers and workers, who were struggling under the burden of debt and the deflationary effects of the gold standard. The Populists believed that the free coinage of silver would increase the money supply, reduce the value of the dollar, and make it easier for debtors to repay their loans. This aligned with the broader goals of the Farmers' Revolt during the Populist Era, which aimed to challenge the political and economic establishment and empower the common people. The free silver movement thus became a rallying cry for the Populist Party and a central component of the Farmers' Revolt, which sought to disrupt the status quo and create a more equitable economic system.

Related terms

Bimetallism: The monetary standard that uses both gold and silver as legal tender, with a fixed ratio between the two.

Silver Purchase Act of 1890: A law that required the U.S. Treasury to purchase a certain amount of silver and issue silver certificates to circulate as money.

Populist Party: A political party that emerged in the late 19th century, advocating for the interests of farmers and workers, including the free coinage of silver.