chapter 19 lesson 3: environmentalism

The Roots of Environmentalism

  • Environmentalism: Movement focused on protecting the natural environment from damage caused by humans.

  • Gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s.

  • Public became more aware of pollution, endangered species, and dangers of chemicals.

  • Influenced by earlier conservation efforts (like those of Theodore Roosevelt).

Key Events That Sparked Environmentalism

  • Silent Spring (1962) by Rachel Carson:

    • Book that exposed dangers of pesticides, especially DDT.

    • Showed how chemicals harmed animals and humans.

    • Sparked a national environmental movement.

  • Cuyahoga River Fire (1969):

    • In Cleveland, Ohio, a polluted river caught fire.

    • Brought major attention to industrial pollution.

  • First Earth Day (April 22, 1970):

    • Millions of Americans protested for better environmental protections.

    • Marked the birth of the modern environmental movement.

Government Response

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created (1970):

    • Set and enforced environmental standards.

    • Monitored pollution levels and enforced environmental laws.

  • Clean Air Act (1970):

    • Regulated air pollution; required industries to reduce emissions.

  • Clean Water Act (1972):

    • Regulated water pollution; aimed to make rivers and lakes cleaner.

  • Endangered Species Act (1973):

    • Protected plants and animals in danger of extinction.

Environmental Challenges

  • Oil Spills:

    • Example: Santa Barbara oil spill (1969) highlighted the dangers of offshore drilling.

  • Nuclear Power Concerns:

    • Seen as an alternative energy source.

    • Fears about safety grew, especially after accidents like Three Mile Island (1979) — a partial meltdown at a Pennsylvania nuclear plant.

  • Debate Over Regulation:

    • Some industries complained that environmental rules were too expensive and slowed economic growth.

Key Terms to Know

  • Environmentalism — Movement to protect the environment.

  • EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) — Government agency to enforce environmental laws.

  • Silent Spring — Book that revealed dangers of pesticides.

  • Earth Day — Annual event to raise awareness about environmental issues.

  • Clean Air Act — Law to control air pollution.

  • Clean Water Act — Law to control water pollution.

  • Endangered Species Act — Law to protect threatened plants and animals.

  • Three Mile Island — Nuclear accident that raised fears about nuclear energy.

Quick Summary Points

  • Environmentalism rose because of concerns about pollution, chemicals, and protecting nature.

  • Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring was a major spark.

  • The government responded with new laws and the creation of the EPA.

  • Environmental disasters (like oil spills and nuclear accidents) pushed the movement further.

  • Ongoing debate between protecting the environment vs. protecting the economy.

Would you also like me to make a vocab matching sheet or a few practice questions to help you lock it in better?