The Rise of the American Conservation Movement

The book explores the U.S. conservation movement from the mid-nineteenth to early twentieth century, highlighting the significant roles of race, class, and gender. It discusses how the movement, initially dominated by white urban elites, often marginalized lower-class individuals and appropriated Native lands. Despite this, diverse groups—including people of color, women, and Native Americans—contributed to environmental policy, knowledge, and activism. This nuanced social history reveals the complexities, conflicts, and achievements of the conservation movement, offering fresh insights into its motivations and practices.