The international depression of 1893 draws attention to the issue of the gold standard in the United States. The question is whether international trade should be based on payment of balances in gold only or one that includes gold and silver, which would involve a fixed ratio of the value of the two metals. Although he still opposes fiat greenbacks, Adams alters his strict support of the gold standard and aligns with the silver backers. A trip to the Chicago World’s Fair startles Henry, forcing him to recognize the enormous growth of science, specifically in the field of electricity.
