The 1896 Democratic National Convention simultaneously
proposed a radically new trajectory for American industrial
expansion, harshly repudiated its own incumbent president,
and rudely overturned the party's traditional regional and
social hierarchy. The passion that attended these decisions
was deeply embedded in the traditional alliances and
understandings of the past, in the careers and futures of
the party's most prominent leaders and most insignificant
ward heelers, and in the personal relations of men who had
long served together in the halls of Congress. This passion
was continuously on display in the Chicago Coliseum, shaped
by the rhythm of parliamentary ritual and the physical
architecture of the convention hall. William Jennings Bryan
anticipated the moment when pathos would be at its height
and chose that moment to give his "Cross of Gold" address,
thus harnessing passion to his personal ambition and
winning the presidential nomination.
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