Populism and the Wizard of Oz Flashcards
What is Populism?
The political approach striving to appeal to “ordinary” people who feel as though their concerns are disregarded by established, elite groups.
What was the populist party?
A third party movement springing up in the 1890’s that drew support from unsatisfied farmers. The party endorsed William Jennings Brian (champion of free silver) when he ran for president in the election of 1896.
What are the six things that led to the rise of the Populist movement?
- The panic of 1893 2. High production of crops due to mechanization causes drop in prices 3. Natural events: Grasshopper infestations, Plagues, and Droughts 4. High railroad freight rates increase grain elevator freight rates to transport goods to the market 5. Mortgages from eastern banks charge high interest rates, leading to foreclosures 6. The Grange and Farmers Alliance: social organizations for isolated farmers and allow Co-Ops to gain control of Grain Elevator rates
What were the platforms of Populists?
Protection of labor unions, farmer and city workers ally against capitalists, public ownership of railroads, telephones, and telegraphs, bimetallism (free coinage of silver), graduated income tax, sub-treasury providing fair loans and safe deposits of earnings, reclaiming land from railroads and foreigners, and expression of sentiments
What did grasshoppers contribute to populism?
Too many grasshoppers on the railroad tracks made them too slippery for proper traction.
What does Dorothy represent in the political allegory of populism?
the “American Identity”
What does the Scarecrow represent in the political allegory of populism?
The western farmers.
What does the Tin Man represent in the political allegory of populism?
The eastern workers/victims of mechanization.
What does the Cowardly Lion represent in the political allegory of populism?
William Jennings Bryan
What does Toto represent in the political allegory of populism?
Short for teetotalers, AKA prohibitionists
What does Oz represent in the political allegory of populism?
The emerald city representing the “greenbacks”/the money that pretends to have money
What does the Wizard of Oz represent in the political allegory of populism?
The presidents of the Gilded Age.
What does the Yellow Brick Road represent in the political allegory of populism?
The “Gold Standard” stating that it is expected for money to be made of gold.
What do the Red Slippers represent in the political allegory of populism?
The Silver Standard (they were silver in the book).
What does the Wicked Witch of the East represent in the political allegory of populism?
Eastern Banks who were foreclosing on western farms.
