Origins of the National Park Idea

25 vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, people, and legislation related to the origins of the National Park Idea, based on lecture notes.

Anthropocentrism

The belief that humans are superior to all other life forms and that the universe exists to serve human needs.

Manifest Destiny

A 19th-century doctrine or belief that the expansion of the United States throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Native American relationship with nature

A cultural and spiritual heritage emphasizing harmony with and celebration of nature.

Industrial Revolution

A historical period characterized by industrialization primarily through the exploitation of lands and natural resources.

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

A land acquisition from France for $15 million, with the goal to 'civilize' the land through ownership and farming.

Gold Rush (1848-1855)

A period that drew approximately 300,000 settlers to California, leading to significant conflicts with Native Americans.

California Genocide

The historical event where a militia was paid by California to drive Native Americans from contested lands during the Gold Rush.

Westward Expansion

The large-scale movement of settlers and explorers into the western territories of the United States during the 19th century.

Transcontinental Railroad (1869)

A railroad line completed in 1869 that greatly facilitated westward settlement and economic expansion.

Native American social structure

Often matrilineal, collective, and communal, contrasting with European concepts of individual property rights.

Small Pox (Impact on Native Americans)

Identified as the biggest cause of the rapid and severe decline in Native American populations.

Indian Removal Act (1830)

Legislation under President Andrew Jackson authorizing the relocation of Native Americans from homelands east of the Mississippi River to the West.

Trail of Tears (1830-1850)

The forced relocation of 100,000 Native Americans to the southwest, resulting in thousands of deaths from exposure, starvation, and disease.

Homestead Act (1862)

Legislation that allowed settlers to claim up to 160 acres of public land to promote agricultural settlement.

Reclamation Act (1902)

Legislation that funded irrigation projects for arid lands in the western United States.

Transcendentalism (1830s-1840s)

A philosophical movement emphasizing that nature is a reflection of the divine spirit and a path to deeper understanding.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

A leading lecturer and author on Transcendentalism, often considered the 'Father of the Movement.'

Henry David Thoreau

An influential Transcendentalist and scientific examiner of nature, known as the 'Father of the Environmental Movement.'

Yosemite Valley (1864 Grant)

The first instance of land preservation by ceding it as a state park to California for public use, resort, and recreation.

Yellowstone (1872)

Established as the World's First National Park, predating the National Park Service by 44 years.

Buffalo Soldiers

African American soldiers from the U.S. Army who served as the first rangers of Yosemite and Yellowstone, protecting against poaching and building infrastructure.

John Muir

Known as the 'Father of the National Park System,' who advocated for wilderness preservation based on its intrinsic value.

Gifford Pinchot

The first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, who advocated for the 'rational use' of resources to maximize benefits for the most people.

Antiquities Act (1906)

Legislation enabling presidents to preserve 'objects of historic or scientific interest' as national monuments via proclamation without Congressional approval.

Organic Act (1916)

Legislation that created the National Park System, mandating the conservation of scenery, natural and historic objects, and wildlife for the enjoyment of future generations, unimpaired.