When did the United States adopt the gold standard?

The adoption of the gold standard in the United States officially occurred with the Gold Standard Act of 1900. This act established gold as the sole standard for redeeming paper currency, effectively shaping the nation’s monetary policy. Before this, various forms of currency coexisted, and the use of gold and silver as backing for paper money had been inconsistent. The Gold Standard Act signified a move towards a more stable and reliable monetary system by tying the value of the U.S. dollar directly to a specific quantity of gold, which was intended to provide confidence in the currency and uniformity in trade.

The other choices refer to significant times in U.S. history but do not coincide with the formal adoption of the gold standard. For instance, in 1787, the Constitution was drafted, providing a framework for the federal government but not specifically establishing the gold standard. The year 1863 marked the beginning of a more organized currency system with the establishment of a national banking system, but it did not set the gold standard in place. Similarly, 1941 does not pertain to the adoption of the gold standard but came much later, during a time of global conflict when monetary policies were being reevaluated. Thus, 1900 is the