Historical History The history of environmental thought in the United States reflects an evolving relationship between people and the natural world, from domination and exploitation to appreciation and stewardship. American attitudes toward nature have evolved in response to social, cultural, and scientific advancements, reflecting how citizens have redefined their relationship with the environment over time. During the colonial and early national periods, Americans viewed nature as a vast frontier to be explored and developed. Land represented wealth, independence, and divine blessing. Influenced by Enlightenment rationalism and Christian theology, settlers believed transforming wilderness into farmland fulfilled both moral and civic duty. As Theis and Tomkin (2018) explain, this “frontier ethic” emphasized human mastery over nature. Expansion across the continent symbolized progress and freedom, while forests, rivers, and minerals served as vital resources for national growth. P...
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