From the mid-1870s until the end of the century, the United States was embroiled in a heated debate, partly about monetary policy and partly pure politics. Tensions were at their height in the mid-1890s during the depression following the Panic of 1893. William H. Harvey, an advocate for the free coinage of silver, published a paperback book entitled Coin's Financial School, which stated his issue in everyday terms. He argued that farmers were the targets of American and British financial interests. Further, he believed that reliance on gold alone tended to tighten the money supply and lower prices. The unlimited coinage of silver would expand the money supply and raise farm prices. This booklet, containing many cartoons, sold widely and helped to prepare the way for William Jennings Bryan.