One key to the Republican victory in the 1896 presidential election was a McKinley's ability to create divisions between western
and southern farmers. b the wide travel and numerous speeches made by William McKinley. c the huge financial and propaganda effort of Mark Hanna and the Republicans. d the ability of Republicans to win the support of debtor farmers. e McKinley's ability to make the tariff issue more important than free silver
c. The huge financial and propaganda effort of Mark Hanna and the Republicans.
Explanation:
The 1896 presidential election was one that became the deciding factor for the economy of the United States. The election took place during the Panic of 1893 which greatly affected the economy and living conditions of the nation.
Republican candidate William McKinley was pitted against Democratic candidate William Jennings Bryan whose main focus for the campaign was blaming the business sector for the failing economy. Contrary to Bryan's approach, McKinley worked with the businessmen, with Mark Hanna as his campaign manager. Hanna would become an important part of the Republicans' success in the election because of his efforts in rallying financiers and industrialists. Presenting a business proposal, Hanna succeeded in bringing a huge amount of financial help from these people.
