Changes

The book opens not in an imaginary far-off place but in real life [[Kansas]], which in the 1890s was well-known for the hardships of rural life, and for destructive tornadoes (also called cyclones).  The [[Panic of 1893]] caused widespread distress in rural America. In 1896 and again in 1900 the agrarian wing of the [[U.S. Democratic Party, history|Democratic Party]] had seized control and nominated the firebrand orator [[William Jennings Bryan]], from Omaha, who crusaded across the land promising his panacea of "free silver" (whereby the government would turn cheap silver into real dollars farmers could use to pay their debts). His supporters truly believed it would transform America in a veritable utopia.  Baum and Denslow, Republicans, rejected this notion and use the book to poke fun at Bryan (who is depicted as the Cowardly Lion).  

The book opens not in an imaginary far-off place but in real life [[Kansas]], which in the 1890s was well-known for the hardships of rural life, and for destructive tornadoes (also called cyclones).  The [[Panic of 1893]] caused widespread distress in rural America. In 1896 and again in 1900 the agrarian wing of the [[U.S. Democratic Party, history|Democratic Party]] had seized control and nominated the firebrand orator [[William Jennings Bryan]], from Omaha, who crusaded across the land promising his panacea of "free silver" (whereby the government would turn cheap silver into real dollars farmers could use to pay their debts). His supporters truly believed it would transform America in a veritable utopia.  Baum and Denslow, Republicans, rejected this notion and use the book to poke fun at Bryan (who is depicted as the Cowardly Lion).  

[[Image:96SILVER.jpg||thumb|300px|July 19, 1896 ''Puck'' cartoon shows farmer hung up on pole and helpless, his free silver wagon destroyed by the gold express of William McKinley]]

[[Image:96SILVER.JPG||thumb|300px|July 19, 1896 ''Puck'' cartoon shows farmer hung up on pole and helpless, his free silver wagon destroyed by the gold express of William McKinley]]

The silverite revolution--a cyclone--sweeps away Dorothy and Toto to a colorful land of unlimited resources that nevertheless has serious political problems.  This utopia is ruled in part by wicked witches. Dorothy's cyclone/revolution destroys the Wicked Witch of the East, slave-driver over the little people (Munchkins), who now celebrate their liberation.  The Witch had controlled the powerful silver slippers (which were changed to ruby in the 1939 film).  

The silverite revolution--a cyclone--sweeps away Dorothy and Toto to a colorful land of unlimited resources that nevertheless has serious political problems.  This utopia is ruled in part by wicked witches. Dorothy's cyclone/revolution destroys the Wicked Witch of the East, slave-driver over the little people (Munchkins), who now celebrate their liberation.  The Witch had controlled the powerful silver slippers (which were changed to ruby in the 1939 film).  

The Wizard/president is annoyed by his guests -- by the demands of the people. He is a corrupt politician, a shrewd manipulator who seeks power for himself, ignores the needs of the people, and rules by fooling with people's minds. He selfishly sends them to destroy his enemy, the Wicked Witch of the West.  If she gets them, he is rid of a nuisance.  If they kill her, great--he will be pleased and then worry what to do next.   

The Wizard/president is annoyed by his guests -- by the demands of the people. He is a corrupt politician, a shrewd manipulator who seeks power for himself, ignores the needs of the people, and rules by fooling with people's minds. He selfishly sends them to destroy his enemy, the Wicked Witch of the West.  If she gets them, he is rid of a nuisance.  If they kill her, great--he will be pleased and then worry what to do next.   

[[Image:MCKINLEy-MYSTERY1896.JPG|thumb|300px|left|McKinley as mystery man in 1896 editorial cartoon, surrounded by party wizards]]

[[Image:MCKINLEY-MYSTERY1896.JPG|thumb|300px|left|Candidate McKinley as mystery man behind a screen in 1896 editorial cartoon, surrounded by party wizards]]

The Wicked Witch of the West represents the trusts, who took control of small businessmen and made them cogs in their empire, just as the Witch does with the heroes, using the Flying Monkeys as her tools.  The trust issue was in the headlines, with a popular solution--one actually used in 1911 against [[Standard Oil]] to dissolve them. Dorothy heaves a bucket of water and dissolves the Wicked Witch.

The Wicked Witch of the West represents the trusts, who took control of small businessmen and made them cogs in their empire, just as the Witch does with the heroes, using the Flying Monkeys as her tools.  The trust issue was in the headlines, with a popular solution--one actually used in 1911 against [[Standard Oil]] to dissolve them. Dorothy heaves a bucket of water and dissolves the Wicked Witch.