United States presidential election of 1896: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Oct. 27, 2026

Facts

Date	November 3, 1896
Location	United States
Context	Free Silver Movement

Photos and Videos

William McKinley

William Jennings Bryan

William Jennings Bryan: presidential campaign poster

McKinley campaign ribbon

Map of the United States showing the results of the 1896 presidential election, with states colored red for William McKinley (Republican) and blue for William Jennings Bryan (Democratic). Most western and southern states are blue for Bryan, while much of the Midwest and Northeast are red for McKinley. Electoral vote counts are labeled on each state, and two states, California and Kentucky, are noted for splitting their electoral votes. A faded American flag serves as the background.

Hear William Jennings Bryan deliver his “Cross of Gold” speech at the Democratic National Convention

See All Videos, Images and Interactives →

Topics

presidency of the United States of America Republican Party Democratic Party Money supply gold standard Socialist Labor Party National Prohibition Party Prohibition Party

Key People

William McKinley

William McKinley

president of United States

William Jennings Bryan

William Jennings Bryan

American politician

Thomas B. Reed

Thomas B. Reed

American politician

Hobart, Garret

Garret A. Hobart

vice president of United States

The White House in Washington, D.C., USA. The north portico which faces Pennsylvania Avenue.

U.S. Presidential History Quiz

Washington Monument. Washington Monument and fireworks, Washington DC. The Monument was built as an obelisk near the west end of the National Mall to commemorate the first U.S. president, General George Washington.

All-American History Quiz