1. Populism and The Wizard of Oz

3. L. Frank Baum Moved to SD in 1887
Witnessed the end of the frontier and the growth of the Populist party
Saw Western farmers’ hardship
Took part in the election of 1896 on the side of Bryan and free silver
Was a populist activist

4. Dorothy and Toto

5. Hidden Representations:
The Wicked Witch of the East: represented eastern industrialists and bankers who controlled the people (the Munchkins).

6. Hidden Representations:
The Tin Woodman represented the dehumanized industrial worker.

7. Hidden Representations:
The Scarecrow represented the wise but naive western farmer.

8. Hidden Representations:
The Cowardly Lion was William Jennings Bryan, Populist presidential candidate in 1896.

9. Hidden Representations:
The Yellow Brick Road, with all its dangers, represented the gold standard.

10. Hidden Representations
Dorothy's silver slippers (Judy Garland's were ruby red, but Baum originally made them silver) represented the Populists' solution to the nation's economic woes ("the free and unlimited coinage of silver")

11. Hidden Representations
Emerald City represents Washington DC, where leaders reside and people look for significant change in their life.

12. Hidden Representations:
The Wizard represents William McKinley who tried to be all things to everyone, but turned out to be a fake.
President William McKinley

13. Hidden Representations:
The Munchkins: represented child workers

14. Hidden Representations
The Wicked Witch of The West represents the railroads and the control they had over the populist supporters.

15. OR
The Wicked Witch of The West represents the powers of nature that hurts farmers – drought (which water killed)

16. Hidden Representations
Flying Monkeys represent the Native Americans who are controlled by the Western powers (Wicked Witch)

17. Hidden Representations
Good Witch of the North/South (Glinda) represents the Populists in the Midwest-North and South