The Bland-Allison Act was a U.S. law enacted in 1878 that aimed to increase the amount of silver coinage in circulation. It required the U.S. Treasury to purchase a specific amount of silver each month and mint it into coins. This act was part of a broader debate over monetary policy, particularly the use of silver versus gold as a basis for currency. Supporters of the act believed that increasing silver coinage would help farmers and working-class citizens by providing more money in circulation, which could lead to inflation and easier debt repayment. The act was named after its sponsors, Richard P. Bland and William B. Allison, and it marked a significant moment in the history of U.S. monetary policy.