Their tribulations were aggravated by the fact that at that time (especially from about 1873 to 1896) the prices of their products were falling much more rapidly than were general prices, as a result of the very rapid extension of the agricultural land supply.[16] There was complaint, agitation, and demand for relief on the part of many interests in France, Germany, England, and the United States.

As a result, the money question became in this country a leading political issue and continued to be such between 1873 and 1900.
Sec.10.

#Nature and object of bimetallism.# First came "the greenback movement," which, lasted until after 1880.[17] This then gave way to an agitation for bimetallism.

_Bimetallism_ is the plan of using two metals as standard moneys.

Bimetallism is legally authorized when both metals are admitted to the mints for free coinage at an established ratio of weight.