Presidential election
1896 presidential election
William McKinley defeated William Jennings Bryan, winning 271 of 447 electoral votes and 51% of the popular vote.
Results
79.3%
Turnout rate
13.6M
Total votes cast
13.6M
Eligible voters
| State | Electoral votes | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York(NY) | 36 | RepublicanMcKinley | +15.6% |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 32 | RepublicanMcKinley | +22.5% |
| Ohio(OH) | 23 | RepublicanMcKinley | +4.7% |
| Illinois(IL) | 24 | RepublicanMcKinley | +5.9% |
| Nebraska(NE) | 8 | DemocraticBryan | +4.2% |
Candidates
Party
RepublicanRunning mate
Garret Hobart
Home state
Ohio
Age at election
53
Previous position
Governor of Ohio
Campaign slogan
"Prosperity and Sound Money"
Popular vote
7.1M
(51%)
Electoral votes
271
Party
Democratic/PopulistRunning mate
Arthur Sewall
Home state
Nebraska
Age at election
36
Previous position
U.S. Representative from Nebraska
Campaign slogan
"16 to 1 (Free Silver)"
Popular vote
6.5M
(46.7%)
Electoral votes
176
Urban Workers
McKinley
58%
Farmers
Bryan
55%
Industrial States
McKinley
56%
Key events
'Cross of Gold' Speech
Bryan electrified Democratic convention with famous oration
Front Porch Campaign
McKinley spoke to delegations from his Ohio home
Issues & context
Realigning election that established Republican dominance for 36 years. Bryan's 'Cross of Gold' speech became legendary. Free silver vs gold standard was central issue. Urban-rural divide crystallized.
Recovery from Panic of 1893 underway. Farmers still struggling. Silver issue reflected agricultural distress. Industrial growth favoring gold standard.
Cleveland (Democrat) deeply unpopular after handling of depression. Democrats nominated Bryan as repudiation of Cleveland. Bryan ran innovative campaign but lacked money.
Realigned American politics for generation. Republican dominance until 1932. Progressive Era followed. Bryan became Democratic icon despite losses. McKinley assassinated in 1901.
Did you know?
- 1.'Cross of Gold' speech among most famous in American history
- 2.Bryan was youngest major-party nominee at 36
- 3.McKinley spent $3.5 million vs Bryan's $300,000
- 4.First modern campaign with professional management
- 5.Bryan traveled 18,000 miles giving 600 speeches