Answer:
c. The huge financial and propaganda effort of Mark Hanna and the Republicans.
Explanation:
The 1896 presidential election was one that became the deciding factor for the economy of the United States. The election took place during the Panic of 1893 which greatly affected the economy and living conditions of the nation.
Republican candidate William McKinley was pitted against Democratic candidate William Jennings Bryan whose main focus for the campaign was blaming the business sector for the failing economy. Contrary to Bryan's approach, McKinley worked with the businessmen, with Mark Hanna as his campaign manager. Hanna would become an important part of the Republicans' success in the election because of his efforts in rallying financiers and industrialists. Presenting a business proposal, Hanna succeeded in bringing a huge amount of financial help from these people.
Thus, the correct answer is option c.
