Populism and The Wizard of OZ

Usually short fictitious story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson.

• Parable

• Allegory

• Narrative

• Auto-biography

Represents bimetallism (16 ounces of silver: 1 ounce of gold)

The place where different players create hard times for the general population

• OZ

• Emerald City

• Kansas

• Cyclone

Represents government officials - a puppet for the real empowered individuals who actually run the country

• Tin Man
• Toto
• "Silver" Slippers
• Wizard

Represents the American farmer- thinks he lacks the brains, but he is quite smart and helps the journey to Oz
Needs a little political guidance to voice opinion and organize

• Scarecrow
• Tin Man
• Cowardly Lion
• Dorothy

It is the perfect storm that reigns havoc on the American farmer
•Deflation vs. Inflation, bank, railroads ect.

• Wicked Witch
• Wizard
• Emerald City
• Tornado

Represents the silver standard issue
•It will take the farmer home to a land of plenty as more currency is place in circulation

• Tornado
• "Silver" Slippers
• Yellow Brick Road
• OZ

Represents America- honest, kindhearted   - comes out of Kansas looking for answers   - lost and trying to find the way home

• Dorothy
• Kansas
• Good Witch
• Toto

Represents the birth of Populism and the center of the Mid-West
•The heartland of the farmer

• Yellow Brick Road
• Emerald City
• Kansas
• Oz

•Represents the industrial worker
•Once all flesh and blood, now just machines in an industrial age
•A worker that toils tirelessly day in and day out. 

• Cowardrly Lion
• Wicked Witch
• Wizard
• Tin Man

Represents courage
•William Jennings Bryan (1896 Presidential Candidate vs. McKinley)- “Cross of Gold”

• Wizard
• Cowardly Lion
• Dorothy
• Good Witch