Our Fake History Episode #233 - Is The Wizard of Oz Secretly About American History?
Jul 29, 2025
Explore the hidden depths of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, where fantasy meets late 19th-century American politics. Discover the intriguing theory of 'Dark Side of the Rainbow,' where Pink Floyd's music and the film sync up in a surreal experience. Unpack L. Frank Baum's life, his struggles, and how they influenced his storytelling. Debate whether the allegories of the story were intentional critiques of the monetary policies of his time, or simply products of interpretation. Delve into a whimsical yet thought-provoking analysis of a beloved classic.
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Episode notes
Dark Side of the Rainbow Anecdote
- Students and music fans discovered a surreal sync between the 1939 Wizard of Oz film and Pink Floyd's 1973 album Dark Side of the Moon.
- This "Dark Side of the Rainbow" is a dorm room ritual for trippy bonding and altered perception experiences.
Oz as Political Allegory Insight
- The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is often claimed to be a subtle allegory satirizing late 19th century American politics.
- This alleged allegory reflects issues like the 1896 election and the silver vs gold monetary policy debate.
Monetary Symbols in Oz
- Dorothy's silver shoes and the yellow brick road symbolize the Free Silver Movement and the gold standard debate.
- These monetary symbols likely resonated with rural Americans in the 1890s monetary policy fight.
