Free silver

Free silver, 19th-century U.S. political movement attempting to boost the price of silver, which had been hit by world prices and demonetization in 1873. People believed that having more money in circulation would lessen their debts with cheaper dollars. After the 1893 depression (which it helped precipitate) free silver became the major issue of the 1896 and 1900 presidential campaigns of William Jennings Bryan.

See also: Bryan, William Jennings; Populism.