Behind the Curtain: The Wizard of Oz’s Political Allegory Decoded
From political faux pas to flying monkeys — find out what this piece of Americana beloved by children and stoners alike is really about.
In the heart of summer 1896, under a sky as vast and unyielding as the prairie itself, men and women gathered like wheat in a field, ready to be swayed by the wind of William Jennings Bryan’s words.
There he stood, a figure not so much imposing in stature as in spirit, at the helm of a nation’s restless heart, ready to deliver a sermon that would ripple through the fabric of American history. His vibrant voice rose above the crowd, weaving through the air with the grace and force of a river swelling beyond its banks.
In the climax of his plea, a call against the tyranny of gold, Bryan delivered a line as potent as the soil of the Great Plains:
“You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold!”
With these words, he stretched his arms wide as if to bear the weight of his proclamation, to gather in his embrace the suffering and hopes of a nation: the crowd, a moment before a single entity, fractured under the weight of his conviction. Silence fell, thick as the dust on a dry August day, before breaking into a storm of reactions as varied as the land itself.
Some voices rose in cheers, a chorus of agreement as fervent as the summer’s heat, embracing Bryan’s vision with the zeal of believers witnessing a prophecy. Yet, amidst the swell of support, dissent brewed like a gathering storm. Jeers of blasphemy cut through the air, sharp and discordant, a testament to the divide Bryan’s words had carved into the heartland.
Figures turned, walking away, their departure a silent rebellion against the tide Bryan sought to turn. In their leaving was the echo of a nation at a crossroads, a country wrestling with its identity, caught between the silver promise of prosperity and the stark reality of its cost.
In that moment, with the prairie sun as his witness, Bryan stood not just as a man but as a symbol of a nation in turmoil, his outstretched arms bridging the gap between the America that was and the America that could be.
A Personal Journey Through History
…
Iloved my American History course at Middle Tennessee State University. I took outstanding notes and even added pictures to accompany them. I added a caption below a picture of Ford’s testament to machinery:
“You could have it in any color you like as long as it was black!”
After students around me noticed my notes, they began requesting a copy each day at the end of class.
“Why not send these notes to the whole class?”
I thought to myself.
I even included the professor to show her how awesome I was. After about a week of sending out my amateur textbook to the class, I got an email back from my professor. It read,
“Dear Mr. Harris, as much as I love seeing a student take such efficient notes with such enthusiasm for my course, my attendance has dropped dramatically. Please stop sending out your notes to the class.”
I went on to run into her a decade later at a protest in Nashville in 2019. Guess what I brought up?
Diving Into Oz’s Allegorical Depths
…
One of the most exciting lessons I ever learned in that class was about the political allegory behind the Wizard of Oz, not the movie, but the original book. I’ve told this story drunk out of my mind on the porch of my favorite karaoke bar so many times, and now I’m going to share it with you, dear readers, in a more sober fashion.
The Historical Backdrop: Echoes of 1896
…
Although The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was published in 1900, four years after the pivotal presidential election between William Jennings Bryan and William McKinley in 1896, the themes and allegories within Baum’s classic tale resonate with the economic conditions, social issues, and political debates of the 1890s.
Despite the timing, Baum’s narrative is often seen through the lens of these broader discussions, reflecting the ongoing relevance of the issues faced by American society at the turn of the century.
This context enriches our understanding of the book, suggesting that while not directly commenting on the election itself, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz captures the spirit of an era marked by significant social and political change.
Dive into the heart of L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz and discover a world far beyond the witches, wizards, and the iconic yellow brick road. This isn’t just a story of fantasy and adventure; it’s a hidden political allegory reflecting the tumultuous socio-political landscape of late 19th-century America.
Join me on a journey to uncover the symbols and secrets of Oz, revealing insights into political movements, monetary debates, and the very fabric of American society.
Unmasking the Wizard: The Bryan Connection
…
First, you’ll need to know who the Wizard of Oz actually is. The wizard himself was a man known as William Jennings Bryan. Some might know William Jennings Bryan as the lawyer on the side of creationism in The Scopes Trial, also known as the Scopes Monkey Trial, which took place in 1925 in Dayton, Tennessee.
Aside from being a lawyer, he was also a politician who ran against William McKinley in 1896 as the candidate for a coalition of the Democrat party and the now-dissolved Populist Party known as the Bryanites. The end of the populist party is tied to Bryan’s actions during this pivotal 1896 race.
Bryan’s Legacy: Beyond the Courtroom
…
William Jennings Bryan died from complications related to diabetes and fatigue just five days after the Scopes Trial concluded. His health had been deteriorating, and the stress of his involvement in the trial likely exacerbated his condition.
The courthouse didn’t have air conditioning, so you can imagine the scene of a diabetic and portly Bryan fighting day in and day out against the science of evolution, sweat dripping down his forehead as he pats his brow with a handkerchief. Bryan had been a leading figure for the prosecution in the trial, a significant event that took a toll on his physical well-being.
Following the Scopes Trial, Bryan’s legacy continued to influence American culture and education, notably through the establishment of Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee, in 1930.
The college was named in his honor, reflecting his commitment to Christian values and education. This connection underscores Bryan’s enduring impact beyond the political arena into local education and moral philosophy.
Bryan’s Influence: A Midwestern Perspective
…
Bryan’s Midwestern origins, being born in Salem, Illinois, and the setting of The Wizard of Oz in Kansas, a Midwestern state, highlight the cultural and political context of the American Midwest during his time.
This region, known for its strong populist sentiments and agricultural communities, provides a backdrop that resonates with the themes of hardship, resilience, and the pursuit of justice. Bryan’s roots in the Midwest and his populist ideals intertwine with the narrative of The Wizard of Oz, reflecting a shared ethos of advocating for the common man against larger oppressive forces.
The Yellow Brick Road: A Monetary Metaphor
…
At the core of Baum’s narrative lies a veiled commentary on the era’s political dynamics. The Populist Party’s fight for the common folk against elite industrialists sets the stage for our exploration. But there’s more — Dorothy’s silver slippers on the yellow brick road symbolize the late 19th-century monetary policy debate championed by William Jennings Bryan against William McKinley in the 1896 presidential election, which can be seen in exhibit A: Dorothy’s silver slippers.
Silver Slippers vs. Ruby Red: The Color of Economics
…
Now you might be thinking, “But Dorothy wore ruby slippers?” and you would be correct when talking about the movie. In the original book, however, she wore silver slippers. There’s a simple reason for this. Technicolor was expensive to film when it first came to the silver screen. To show off this costly new toy, the filmmakers wanted to dazzle the audience with ruby slippers rather than silver on the once-silver screen.
If you’ve ever watched the film in tandem with Dark Side of the Moon, it’s no wonder we hear the sound of a cash register when Pink Floyd’s “Money” strikes at the first sign of color in the film. Of course, that’s all purely coincidence if you ask the band themselves. That’s a whole other story, though.
Let’s stay focused, shall we?
This imagery of silver slippers over a yellow or “gold” brick road reflects Bryan’s advocacy for the free coinage of silver, leveraging America’s vast silver reserves to empower the average citizen against the restrictive gold standard.
It was understood that North America held a speculative 50 percent of the world’s silver deposits. This is why Bryan was so hot-trot on taking the US dollar from the gold standard to a silver standard, meaning which precious metal was used to “back” the US dollar.
Not mind blown yet? What are gold and silver measured in? That’s right, ounces or “oz.” The emerald city? That’s green cash. Showing Dorothy walking on a yellow brick road in silver slippers tells the reader that silver triumphs over gold regarding what’s best for America’s currency.
The Emerald City of Oz: A Reflection on Wealth and Illusion
…
The Emerald City, with its façade of prosperity, and Oz itself — an abbreviation for ounces, the measure for gold and silver — speak to the economic policies and the illusions of wealth that dominated Baum’s time. This representation of the economic system and the quest for financial stability reveals the complexities of the American dream and the challenges of achieving it in a landscape marked by inequality and illusion.
Characters as Social Commentary
…
Each character in The Wizard of Oz represents a segment of American society struggling with specific challenges. This is what you came here for, right? Read on.
The Scarecrow: Symbol of Agrarian Wisdom
…
The Scarecrow reflects the undervaluation of agricultural wisdom during economic hardship and embodies the American farmer of the early 1900s. His pursuit of intelligence mirrors the aspirations of the Populist movement.
The character’s transformation from self-doubt to realizing his ingenuity emphasizes Baum’s message of empowerment for the rural and working classes, challenging readers to reconsider the value and nature of true intelligence and societal contribution.
The Tin Man: Heart of the Workforce
…
Moving on to the Tin Man, he embodies the perspective of industrial workers and the growing union movement, who fought for their rights and dignity.
Being heartless meant being seen as a mere machine, and unionization aimed to bring acknowledgment of humanity to the industrial workforce in a rapidly changing labor landscape. Low pay, long hours, and hazardous working conditions made these workers feel like machines without hearts, a significant symbol of being alive.
The Cowardly Lion: A Quest for Courage in Leadership
…
The Lion’s journey to bravery is a vital aspect of his character, representing the need for courage and decisiveness in political leadership. The government was often criticized for needing to be more open and effective in solving people’s problems, such as economic inequality, labor rights, and monetary policy.
The Lion, as the king of the animals, feels that he lacks the courage required for his position, which can be interpreted as a representation of leaders who were perceived as lacking the boldness to tackle and resolve the pressing issues of their time.
The Witches, Monkeys, and Munchkins: Manifestations of Control
…
In the Land of Oz, the Wicked Witch of the East’s defeat under Dorothy’s house is not just a pivotal moment in our heroine’s journey; it symbolizes the collapse of Eastern financial and industrial domination.
These oppressive forces burdened farmers and workers with their heavy yoke and found their allegorical end beneath the humble abode of a Kansas farm girl. This event marks the beginning of a narrative steeped in themes of liberation from the clutches of economic oppressors, painting a vivid picture of the battle between the oppressed and the powerful.
The Wicked Witch of the West personifies the formidable obstacles that agricultural and working classes faced in the American West and Midwest. Her reign of terror over the lands of Oz mirrors the stranglehold of Western economic magnates and the severe environmental challenges that plagued these regions.
Her defeat is a symbolic victory over these real-world adversities, symbolizing hope and resilience in the face of daunting economic and natural conditions.
Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, is often seen as more than a magical ally to Dorothy. Her benevolence and guidance could symbolize society’s moral and nurturing forces, potentially reflecting the Progressive Era’s spirit of reform and the South’s traditional values.
Some interpret her as an allegorical figure for positive political leadership, embodying the protective and wise qualities desired in a leader. While interpretations vary, Glinda’s role as a guiding light in Dorothy’s journey undeniably represents the good in humanity, offering wisdom and support in the face of adversity.
And the Munchkins? They represent the marginalized groups, including women and African Americans, who yearned for a voice. Although African Americans could vote via the 15th Amendment in 1870, many were disenfranchised via Jim Crow laws, literacy tests, and poll taxes. In contrast, Dorothy represented the parts of the American population with voting rights or, in the case of The Wizard of Oz, the choice of which road to take.
Our final character figure lies in the flying monkeys bound to serve the Wicked Witch of the West, offering a striking parallel to the railroads of Baum’s America. These iron pathways, controlled by a select few but impacting many, dictated the economic realities of an era, much like how the witch commands her aerial minions.
Their emancipation from her tyranny mirrors a collective desire for economic liberation, reflecting a broader narrative of struggle against the monopolistic powers and resonating with the call for fairness and freedom in the economic landscape of the time.
A Political Warning: The Cross of Gold
…
Presidential candidates traveled around to give speeches before the 1896 election, but Bryan took it to a new level. He embarked on a rigorous speaking tour, traveling thousands of miles by train and giving hundreds of speeches directly to the American public.
His approach was unprecedented in its scale and intensity. Bryan’s “whistle-stop” campaign tours allowed him to directly engage with voters nationwide, making his case for the free coinage of silver and other populist policies.
This method of campaigning has since become a staple of American political culture. Still, Bryan’s efforts in 1896 marked a significant departure from the campaign practices of his predecessors and set a new standard for direct engagement in presidential campaigns.
This politician’s intense passion for the silver vs. gold standard issue led him to make a politically fatal mistake. He angered a large voting block for the populist party: the Catholics. This fiery passion for his pet issue of the silver vs. gold standard led him to make a politically fatal mistake. He did it all with a simple analogy and expression of the arms.
Bryan delivered his famous “Cross of Gold” speech during his 1896 presidential campaign. He used this speech to criticize the gold standard and promote the use of silver. During his speech, he declared, “You shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold!” His compelling delivery, which included him spreading his arms wide as if being crucified, left a strong impression on his Catholic audiences.
It is worth mentioning that the person who argued against evolution in the Scopes Trial was the same man. He emphasized the differences in religious symbols between Protestant and Catholic values. Bryan’s college, which still exists today, is based on his Christian beliefs. However, to Catholics, he did not seem Christian enough. This cost Bryan the election and the Populist party its place in history.
It was not just about the religious imagery of his speech. Some Catholics felt that his policy on the gold standard versus the free coinage of silver might have conflicted with the economic interests of certain Catholic communities.
Some Catholics were not offended at all. However, the majority of Catholics switched from the Populist/Democrat coalition to vote for the Republican candidate William McKinley. As a result, the realignment was complete, and the gold nail was put into the populist coffin.
Digital Disruption: The New Era of Political Realignment
…
Historically, political realignment in the United States has followed a cyclical pattern, typically occurring every thirty years. This cycle, evident in pivotal moments like the 1896 shift that marked the decline of the Populist Party, demonstrates how economic, social, and ideological forces can dramatically reshape the political landscape. Such realignments reflect society’s evolving concerns and values, profoundly shifting party dominance and political affiliations.
A striking example of the complexities of modern political identity is the sight of Confederate flags being carried through the halls of the Capitol by individuals protesting in support of a Republican candidate on January 6th. Keep in mind that a Republican freed the enslaved people. Republicans often bring up this fact on social media as a “gotcha” moment against their liberal counterparts.
However, they tend to ignore the role of political realignment as a natural and existing force. The use of historical symbols alongside contemporary political actions highlights the unpredictable nature of political affiliations and the potential for significant changes in the fabric of American political identity.
For instance, the KKK, which a Democrat founded, now consists of people who would never vote for a Democrat. This shows how political realignment works. Political parties are just groups, and it’s the people who change their allegiances over time.
Entering the Digital Age, we stand at the brink of a potential transformation in the rhythm of political realignment. Social media and the internet have introduced a new variable into the equation, accelerating the exchange of ideas and facilitating the rapid mobilization of movements across digital platforms.
This technological revolution challenges the traditional thirty-year realignment cycle, suggesting that political identity and allegiance shifts may now occur quickly and frequently.
In this era of instant communication and global networks, political landscapes can be reshaped in real time, reflecting the immediate impact of digital discourse on public opinion and political affiliation.
The Digital Age ushers in a dynamic and fluid era of political realignment, where the once predictable patterns of change are being rewritten by the power of connectivity and the speed of information flow. From a superficial spreading of the arms to portraying a crucifixion to a simple tweet.; opinions are born and die at the drop of a hat. No matter the state of technology, people’s hearts and minds are malleable.
Exploring L. Frank Baum’s Political Leanings
…
Baum supported William McKinley in the 1896 presidential election and published a poem in support of his election. He later wrote another poem after McKinley’s assassination in 1901 by an anarchist.
In addition to being a children’s book author, he also worked as a political reporter for a newspaper in South Dakota during the 1890s. His beliefs were not entirely clear, but he supported suffrage (women’s right to vote).
Later in life, he openly admitted that he wanted to incorporate the time and the “fairies of the day” into the stories that he had always written for “the enjoyment of children”.
A Journey Through America’s Political Soul
…
The Wizard of Oz is more than just a story; it’s a political allegory that challenges us to reflect on our society and strive for change. Through its characters and symbols, Baum’s masterpiece offers powerful lessons that still resonate today. Ultimately, it was all a dream, the American dream; you were there, and you, and you!
America is no longer on the gold standard but is now called a flat currency, backed by the people’s trust in the government. Sounds pretty solid, right? I mean, there’s an abundance of that going around. How is the economy treating you?
Let’s learn from Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as we seek justice, equity, and representation. By understanding the forces that shaped Oz, we can better understand the forces shaping our political landscape today. Through the lens of The Wizard of Oz, we can discover how we can use its lessons to create a brighter future for all.
Engaging the Future: Oz Reimagined
…
If the classic movie The Wizard of Oz was to be remade in the 21st century with a political allegory reflecting the current political climate, how would it look? It’s an interesting thought to ponder. Let me know your ideas in the comments section below!
Thank you for reading.
…
🌟 Stay Connected and Support My Work! 🌟
Hey there! Please follow me on Medium to stay updated with my latest articles. If you like what you read, consider supporting me with a tip on BuyMeACoffee. Thank you for being a part of my journey!
