THE W

IZARD OF OZ

AND

POPU

LISM

B A I LE E A

N D AN D R E A

POPULISM 1890’SPopulism is described as being “ the movement or migration of

the people”In the 1890’s, people wanted less debt on farmers and other

workers, so they could have more of a voice in government.

DOROTHYThe all American girl representing a common citizen from

America.She lived in a Populist party area in Kansas.

TOTOToto plays a very big role.He represents the “Teetotalers”- Pledges to drink tea instead

of alcohol.They are important allies of the Populists during the Free Silver

CoalitionToto is the ally to Dorothy

SCARECROWShows how farmers cant hold their own ground against the

industrialization movementAre seen as whimps, not smart enough, and too intimidated by

politics.Dorothy gives him a wake up call and offers him to come with

her get his brain from Oz

TIN MANRepresent an industrial worker. The wicked witch of the East

curses his axe which makes him chop off parts of his body. This is symbolic for industrial accidentsWas rusted solid, representing in the Great Depression, the

closing of factories.

COWARDLY LIONRepresents William Jennings Bryan: in 1896 was a Democratic

nominee for president, supported by the Populist PartyHe did not win the vote of the Industrial LaborEven though he was a lion, which is supposed to be an

intimidating animal, he didn’t have any real powerLooks can be deceivingHence the word “cowardly”

GOOD WITCH OF THE NORTH AND OF THE SOUTH

Represent allies to the farmers in the North and SouthThey made up the Populist PartyThis was used for good and evil… WITCH CRAFT xD :o D: -_-

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MISS GULCHShe is threatening to take away Dorothy’s families farmShe represent the banks/ farmer’s mortgagesFarmers had a hard time holding on to their farms because of

money issues

WICKED WITCH OF THE WESTRepresents the nasty nature of the West that put the farmers

farms in jeopardy Dead dirtNo rainThe Witch wanted to take away Dorothy’s shoes which was

Bimetallism

THE WIZARD OF OZ He represented President McKinleyHad power of deception over the American peopleEveryone was afraid of him, even though he was just a regular personIn the end the President didn’t have the power, the power was in the peoples handsHe wanted to satisfy people, but not at the source where it mattered the most

MUNCHKINSRepresent child laborWicked Witch of the East made the Munchkins slaves. Dorothy

freed them from enslavement

MONKEYSRepresent Native AmericansThey were manipulated by the wicked witch of the westWanted farmers land for their own because they were there

first

THE YELLOW BRICK ROADRepresented Gold.Gold was thought to be so important that a panic happened. It

became so valuable and important to possess because it practically insured your safety.

If you follow the “yellow brick road” , your almost guaranteed to be led to saftey, in emerald City

SILVERDorothy’s shoes represent silver.At the time people did not recognize the ultimate power of

either silver or goldBimetallism- created when Dorothy’s shoes meet the yellow

brick road ( silver meets gold) This happened because when Dorothy received her shoes (or silver) it gave her a chance of living and to get home. American citizens had this because they would trade paper money for gold and silver so they could survive

MUNCHKINLANDRepresents the East coast establishing a new way of life:

industry, banking, political standingsIts much different than Kansas

THE JOURNEY TO THE WIZARD OF OZRepresents a group of unemployed workers to march to

Washington D.C., like a public protest for more money and more job opportunities

EMERALD CITYRepresents Washington D.C.The Emerald City is not actually green. It is white. They are told

by the ruling government to wear glasses, as a trick to make it look emerald.

This represents the Government in the United States at the time as giving the false illusion of what it really was like.

WICKED WITCH :DEATHHer meltation by water represents the drought in the West

during the 1890’s as a symbolism that it was over.

FARMERS LOOKED TO WRONG SOURCESFarmers look up to Government and the President even though

they had the power to decide themselves

SOURCES

http://voices.yahoo.com/wizard-oz-parable-populism-late-1800s-6737008.html?cat=4

http://www.themoneymasters.com/mm/the-wonderful-wizard-of-oz/