Why were American workers upset at the time of the 1896 election?

American workers were upset during the 1896 election primarily due to economic hardship stemming from the Panic of 1893, which led to widespread unemployment, wage cuts, and labor strikes. Many were frustrated by the government's inaction and the growing influence of corporate interests over politics. The debate over the gold standard versus bimetallism further fueled discontent, as workers believed that adopting bimetallism could lead to inflation and help alleviate their financial struggles. This discontent contributed to the rise of the Populist movement, which sought to represent the interests of laborers and farmers.