Populism and the Wizard of Oz L. Frank Baum’s Novel Used as Political Allegory for the Populist and Silver Movement

Please Note… Most historians do not subscribe to Baum’s intent of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as a political allegory. Henry Littlefield, a high school teacher, published the use of the book as a political allegory in 1964. The use of the The Wizard of Oz as a political allegory is solely for the purpose as an educational tool for understanding of Populism and the late Gilded Age politics.

Dorothy The embodiment of the American people Naive, needs guidance and direction

Toto May represent the Teetotalers or Prohibitionists who supported the Populist movement

The Scarecrow Represents the farmers The absence of a brain symbolizes farmers have run out of ideas regarding the poor agricultural conditions Ironic how the Scarecrow tends to develop clever plans

The Tin Man Represents the industrial workers. Dehumanized by labor hence no heart Rusting due to factories shutting down from depressions

The Cowardly Lion Represents William Jennings Bryan All roar, but no bite

Kansas The agricultural West Black & white and desolate landscape show poor conditions and gloom

The Twister The Populist movement or political upheaval Sweeping people from the B&W Kansas to the colorful Oz and Emerald City

The Wicked Witch of the East Represents the industrialists and bankers of the East Harasses and enslaves the Munchkins

The Munchkins The common people/laborers of the East harassed by the Wicked Witch of the East and West (corporations) Lullaby League and Lollipop Guild represent reforms and unions

The Wicked Witch of the West Represents the railroad and oil companies in the West Enslaved the Winged Monkeys and the Winkies

The Winged Monkeys Represent Natives in the frontier and West as threats and who have become subjugated by the corporations and government

The Winkies Could represent the Pinkertons and federal troops Help enforce the policies and actions of the corporations

The Good Witch of the North Represents the Old Northwest/Midwest Populists hoped for their support in their causes

The Good Witch of the South Represents the Southeast region and its predominant agricultural sector Populists saw the region as a sympathizer and support bloc

Silver (Ruby) Slippers Represent the silver movement

The Yellow Brick Road Represents the gold standard Silver slippers and yellow brick road are the way to new success and prosperity Oz = oz. as in ounce for gold measurement

Emerald City Washington, D.C. The place of hope and empty promises Green can also symbolize greenbacks

The Wizard Represents the President and/or politicians “The Man Behind the Curtain” symbolizing the changing face of politicians