Twice in my education, once in middle school and once in college (my instructor did a very dramatic read of William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" speech), I encountered the Free Silver movement in history classes. I never understood it then and to this day I still don't understand what the kerfuffle was about. It seems like a religious doctrinal difference rather than one that would have any real economic effect.
Somewhat before I cared about money, in 1971, Nixon decoupled the dollar from gold, and although I do recall hearing about the accompanying wage/price freeze, I don't think it's ever mattered to me whether or not I could exchange my paper for gold.
Somewhat before I cared about money, in 1971, Nixon decoupled the dollar from gold, and although I do recall hearing about the accompanying wage/price freeze, I don't think it's ever mattered to me whether or not I could exchange my paper for gold.