Populism and the unmasking of, The Wizard of Oz Unmasking the Wizard of Oz *Was the Wizard of Oz a brilliant fantasy novel or a metaphor for Populism? *many believe that L. Frank Baum’s book (and later, first color film) was, secretly, an allegory of the Populist movement *Oz itself was short for Oz. or ounce, which was a way to measure coinage 1

Populism and The Wizard of Oz *was a political movement that started in the west (Kansas) *started as a way to curb the power of eastern politicians and industrialist who were controlling the country and held a great deal of power *Populists wanted to clean up politics and end corruption by making the democratic process more democratic *also felt that if they could get bi-metalism (support for a combined silver and gold backed economy) the law of the land they could end corruption and power in the east *Populists claimed to be the champions of the common man *supported measures to aid farmers and laborers who had become slaves to eastern politicians and industrialists 2

Background Information The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was not intended to be an innocent fairy tale. Author, L. Frank Baum, a reform- minded Democrat who supported William Jennings Bryan's pro-silver candidacy, wrote the book as a parable of the Populists, an allegory of their failed efforts to reform the nation in 1896. However, Frank Baum never allowed the consistency of the allegory to take precedence over the theme of youthful entertainment.

Populism A political movement that started in the West. Wanted to give more power to the common people and curb the power of the elite, industrialists, bankers and Washington politicians back East. Wanted to end corruption in politics, give citizens more voting power and fix working conditions. Also, wanted unlimited coinage of silver so crops prices would increase and farmers could pay off their debts. This would also take power away from the bankers in the east who controlled the supply of gold. Eventually evolved into Progressivism.

Hidden Representations Dorothy represents the common people from Kansas who were hit the hardest by drought, were caught in the whirlwind (Tornado) of Populism and were therefore its most loyal supporters. The movement began in Kansas Farmer discontent and Populist politics were concentrated in Kansas Suffering from a drought—many farmers going through hard times Farmers wanted the free coinage of silver to help them out of debt 5

Hidden Representations The Emerald City represents Washington DC. The green represents the greed and envy created by money.

Hidden Representations: The Wicked Witch of the East: represented eastern industrialists and bankers. The Lollipop Kids (the Munchkins) represent child labor during the Gilded Age. Stands for wealthy people of the East favoring gold currency Symbolic of big businesses and corporation who also wanted gold standard Dorothy kills her—defeats people who wanted gold currency 7

Hidden Representations The Yellow Brick Road, with all its dangers, represented the gold standard. The Yellow Brick Road *represented the gold standard *the road itself was dangerous (alluding to the fact that it might not be wise to back the economy with gold) *notice it makes its way to the Emerald City (Washington DC) *this was because eastern politicians and industry owners controlled the gold standard 8

Hidden Representations Dorothy's silver/ruby slippers (Judy Garland's were ruby red, but in the book, Baum made them silver) represented the, “the free and unlimited coinage of silver”. = The Ruby Slippers: (Judy Garland's were changed to ruby red because the director wanted to utilize color film, but Baum originally made them silver) represented the Populists' solution to the nation's economic woes ("the free and unlimited coinage of silver") Originally silver Changed to ruby because of color technology Symbolize the power of the silver movement Silver coinage is what the western farmers and Populists wanted back the monetary system with instead of the gold standard this was because silver was in abundance in the west and they controlled it Gold standard is what the eastern industrialists and eastern politicians wanted to use because they controlled it 9

Hidden Representations The Wicked Witch of The West represents the harsh nature of the west as well as the evil and corrupt railroad owners and the control they had over the populist supporters. Personification of harsh natural forces of west, such as the drought and tornados She is killed by water, just like a drought She also personifies the corrupt railroad robber barons who took advantage of the people of the west Dorothy’s main adversary—present throughout entire story Uses nature to hurt Dorothy and friends Poppy field Flying monkeys 10

Hidden Representations: The Scarecrow represented the brainless and naive western farmer.

Hidden Representations: The Tin-man represented the dehumanized or heartless industrial worker. Industrial workers Wants a heart—dehumanized Physically strong, hollow inside Stuck when the found him—workers felt trapped in an economic rut 12

Hidden Representations: The Cowardly Lion was William Jennings Bryan, the Populist presidential candidate in 1896. Represents William Jennings Bryan—Populist leader Looking for courage—Bryan thought to be a coward by some Possessed courage all along by proving to stand up to Republicans who supported the industrialists 13

Hidden Representations The Wizard of Oz represents President William McKinley who tried to great and powerful, but turned out to be a fake. = Represents leadership during the depression Government seemed powerless Uses hot air balloon (as did many cartoons) to prove politicians were full of “hot air” Wizard is from Kansas, like Dorothy 14

Hidden Representations Dorothy's dog Toto represents the Teetotalers (prohibitionists) who loyally followed Populists while promoting temperance (not drinking). =

Hidden Representations The Flying Monkeys represent the enslaved Native Americans who were forced from their homeland and onto the reservations. =