Step-by-step explanation:
The strategy that helped William Jennings Bryan become the Democratic nominee for the Election of 1896 was A. He aligned his goals with that of the "plain people" during his "Cross of Gold" speech.
William Jennings Bryan was a strong supporter of the free silver movement, which aimed to increase the money supply by allowing the unlimited coinage of silver. In his famous "Cross of Gold" speech at the Democratic National Convention, he argued that the gold standard favored the wealthy and hurt the working class and farmers. He aligned himself with the "plain people" and championed their cause against what he saw as the interests of the wealthy elite.
Bryan's message resonated with many Americans who were struggling economically and who felt left behind by the country's rapid industrialization and modernization. By aligning himself with the common people and advocating for their interests, he was able to mobilize a broad coalition of supporters and win the Democratic nomination in 1896.