Environmental Issues in American History - A Reference Guide with Primary Documents (Hardcover)

Controversy surrounding environmental issues is not a recent development in American history. Since the time of the early settlers, issues concerning the environment have plagued certain groups of Americans. In this exhaustively researched study, primary documents support different sides of various questions, such as the use of water as an energy source, deforestation, gold mining in California, and the emergence of wildlife conservation. High school and college students will not only find this book extremely comprehensive, but will also find its heated discussions exceptionally engaging. Some of the major topics covered include: BLDifferences between the way Native Americans and early settlers treated the land BLThe Land Ordinance of 1785 BLThomas Jefferson's views about the land BLThe commercial progress of New England river valleys BLAct establishing the Adirondack Forest Preserve in 1885 BLTheodore Roosevelt's thoughts on forest conservation BLThe pros and cons of hydraulic gold mining BLThe near-extinction of the North American bison BLThe Lacey Act Magoc's book will prove an essential asset for all American history students.