An alternative expanation about OZ: Frank Baum’s story is seen by some as an alegory advocating the gold standard. OZ was an ounce of gold. The yellow brick road was the gold standard that was going to lead people to the Emerald City (prosperity). The tin man represented the industial workers, the scarecrow represented farmers, and the cowardly lion was Williams Jennings Bryant. Flying monkeys – immigrant workers. Nobody knows for sure – just speculation because Frank never gave an explanation.