Teaching about Populism with The Wizard of Oz

Stewart Waters, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Social Science Education University of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education Knoxville, TN 37996-3442 [email protected]

Introduction The Wizard of Oz is one of the most classic and iconic stories in American History. The book, originally written by Frank Baum in 1900, later went on to become a widely popular motion picture in 1939. While many people are familiar with the story and characters in The Wizard of Oz, what is less commonly known and discussed is how the story acts as a metaphor for the Populist movement of the late 20th century. The purpose of this paper is to provide social studies teachers with an example of how this classic film can be used to engage students in critical thinking about a pivotal social movement in U.S. History. Classroom Tested Lesson Plan Prior to beginning the lesson, it is important for teachers to build upon prior knowledge associated with the Populist platform and the Granger Movement. Teachers should be sure to also cover the Movement and ’s “Cross of Gold” speech. This foundational knowledge will give students the appropriate background information needed to make connections between Populist symbolism found in The Wizard of Oz.

Begin the lesson by asking students to share and discuss what they know about The Wizard of Oz (no need to specify between the film or book, allow the students to reveal what they know about each or either version of the story). The teacher and students should discuss the plot and characters of The Wizard of Oz. This will allow the teacher to understand how much the students know about the film, as well as to remind them of the major plot. The teacher should also give students background knowledge on the film and clarify any misconceptions or inaccuracies that may exist.

After the opening discussion, provide students with a handout that will guide them through the film clips that will be shown (See below). The handout lists important characters and symbols from the film. It also lists important people, concepts, and places of the Populist movement. The second half of the handout lists nine important characters or symbols from the film. As you watch the film, have students write down how the characters/symbols are related to the Populist movement. They should do this after every scene being viewed. It is helpful for teachers to complete the first scene together as a whole class in order to model expectations for the lesson. Students should complete the remainder of the scenes individually (or with a partner), and after all scenes are completed, have a whole class discussion on how students developed their answers for each scene. Below is a specific list of scenes from the film and the symbolism to analyze with students for the Wizard of Oz:

- “ Follow the Yellow Brick Road”/ Students should recognize that Dorothy represents typical Americans, her slippers represent the Silver standard (were silver in the book), and the Yellow Brick Road is the . - “If I Only Had a Brain”/ Students should recognize that the represents the American farmer. Teacher can discuss the plight of American farmers during this time period. - “If I Only Had a Heart”/ Students should recognize that the Tin Man represents American factory workers. Teacher can discuss the importance of oil during this time period. - “Dorothy Meets the Lion”/ Students should recognize that the Lion represents William Jennings Bryan. Teacher will refer back to the “Cross of Gold” speech. - “We’re ”/ Students should recognize that William McKinley is the Wizard and Washington D.C. is the Emerald City. Teachers can discuss how Populists felt about William McKinley and what he could do for average Americans. - “The March of the Winkies”/ Teacher should tell students that the Winkies are singing, “All we own, we owe.” Students should recognize that the Winkies are American debtors. Since they work for the Witch, she represents the banks. - “Merry Old Land of Oz”/ Teacher should discuss with students the characteristics of the Emerald City. What does this say about how people perceive Washington D.C. and the people that live there? - “You humbug”/ Teacher should discuss with students what this scene says about the Wizard and President McKinley. If the Wizard is a fraud, then what does that say about the President?

After discussing the aforementioned scenes and student analysis, make sure to conclude the lesson by checking for student understanding, giving students an exit ticket out the door that asks them to answer the following three questions:

1. What is populism? 2. Why were farmers angry with the railroads? 3. Give one example of how the Wizard of Oz is an allegory to Populism.

Wizard of Oz and Populism Handout

Characters in the Wizard of Oz: Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, , Wizard, Winkies

Important Symbols: The Yellow Brick Road, Slippers, Oz

Populist Characters: William Jennings Bryan, William McKinley, Factory Workers, Debtors, Farmers

Important Concepts/Places: Washington D.C., Gold Standard, Silver Standard

1. Dorothy 2. Scarecrow 3. Tin Man 4. Cowardly Lion 5. Winkies 6. The Wizard 7. The Yellow Brick Road 8. 9. The Land of Oz About the Author Stewart Waters, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Social Science Education in the Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His research interests include alternative methods for teaching social studies, character education, visual literacy, social studies curriculum, and teaching with film. Dr. Waters is the conference coordinator for The International Society for the Social Studies and is the associate editor for The Journal of Social Studies Research. Dr. Waters has authored seven books and several peer- reviewed journal articles related to social studies education.