The Big Burn

Location:

United States

Genres:

Networks:

Description:

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. In the late 19th century, America’s wilderness was rapidly shrinking under the weight of industrial expansion. Vast forests once untouched were being stripped bare by powerful timber companies seeking profit from a seemingly endless supply of trees. Railroads extended deeper into the frontier, bringing with them settlers, machinery, and a hunger for resources. The logging industry was booming, and the land suffered under this momentum. Streams clogged with debris, mountainsides were stripped of their trees, and the land that had once seemed eternal began to vanish. Yet amid this progress, a growing awareness began to stir among a few voices warning that this reckless consumption could have dire consequences. The early environmental movement took root in this context. Philosophers and naturalists such as John Muir began to advocate for the protection of America’s natural wonders. They believed in nature not just as a resource, but as something sacred and necessary for the soul of the nation. Meanwhile, others, like Gifford Pinchot, began to promote a more pragmatic approach: conservation rather than preservation. This idea focused on the responsible use of natural resources, ensuring they could support both present needs and future generations. As the forests fell and rivers ran dark with silt, these differing but passionate calls began to gain traction in public discourse. Among the most powerful champions of this growing conservation ethic was Theodore Roosevelt. Having spent his youth in the wilds of the American West, Roosevelt had a personal and political appreciation for the natural world. His presidency would become a turning point for the conservation movement. With a deep sense of urgency and a fierce independence, Roosevelt used his executive power to set aside millions of acres of forestland, establish national parks, and support the formation of institutions that would protect the environment. Duration - 1h 40m. Author - Harry Montgomery. Narrator - Digital Voice Marcus G. Published Date - Wednesday, 29 January 2025. Copyright - © 2025 Harry Montgomery ©.

Language:

English