Here's how:
* The Wizard as a Symbol of Powerlessness: The Wizard in the movie is initially presented as a powerful and mysterious figure, much like the powerful political figures of the time. However, as the story unfolds, he is revealed to be a fraud, a common theme in the Populist Party's critiques of the corrupt political system.
* The Yellow Brick Road as a Metaphor for the American Dream: The Yellow Brick Road represents the journey towards prosperity and fulfillment. However, just like the reality for many people in the late 19th century, the road is fraught with challenges and obstacles. The characters face dangers from the Wicked Witch, symbolizing the powerful entities that stand in the way of achieving the American Dream.
* The Wicked Witch as a Symbol of Powerful Interests: The Wicked Witch of the West represents the powerful interests of the time, such as the railroads and banks, which were seen by the Populist Party as exploiting the common people. The Wicked Witch's actions (stealing Dorothy's shoes and attempting to take over Oz) parallel the exploitation of farmers and workers by these powerful interests.
* The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion as Representations of the Common People: These characters embody the struggles of the common people during the late 19th century. The Scarecrow represents the farmers, who were struggling with the effects of the economic depression and the power of the railroads. The Tin Man represents the factory workers who were suffering from the poor conditions and low wages. The Cowardly Lion represents the general sense of powerlessness and fear that permeated the working class.
The Populist Party, like the characters in "The Wizard of Oz," fought against the injustices of the system, advocating for policies that would protect the interests of the common people.
The movie "The Wizard of Oz" is a powerful allegory for the social and political struggles of the late 19th century, echoing many of the themes and ideals of the Populist Party. While the movie is a fantasy, its underlying message resonates with the real-world concerns of the time, highlighting the common desire for a more just and equitable society.