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

2. 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.

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

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

5. 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

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

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

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

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

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

11. 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

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

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

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

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

16. 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

17. Silver (Ruby) Slippers
Represent the silver movement

18. 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

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

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