Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardProgressive Era Reforms and Influences

Source: Gifford Pinchot, *The Fight for Conservation*, 1910

"The first principle of conservation is development, the use of the natural resources now existing on this continent for the benefit of the people who live here now. There may be just as much waste in neglecting the development and use of certain natural resources as there is in their destruction... The second principle is prevention of waste... In addition to development and prevention of waste, natural resources must be developed and preserved for the benefit of the many, and not merely for the profit of a few."

Which of the following core principles of the Progressive movement is most directly reflected in the excerpt?

  1. A
    The reliance on laissez-faire economic principles and private industry initiatives to solve resource depletion without state intervention.
  2. The belief that professional expertise and centralized federal planning should guide the efficient utilization of national resources.Answer
  3. C
    The goal of dismantling large corporate enterprises to restore a decentralized, agrarian-based economy of independent producers.
  4. D
    The establishment of direct federal employment programs and welfare relief to combat widespread national unemployment and poverty.

Answer

The correct answer states that the philosophy of conservation was based on the belief that professional expertise and centralized federal planning should guide the efficient utilization of national resources.
The correct answer is the belief that professional expertise and centralized federal planning should guide the efficient utilization of national resources. Gifford Pinchot, as the first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, pioneered conservation policy under Theodore Roosevelt. This policy was defined by scientific management and utilitarian efficiency, aiming to systematically develop and protect resources for public benefit rather than private profit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the source document.
The excerpt by Gifford Pinchot argues that conservation means development and prevention of waste for the benefit of "the many, and not merely for the profit of a few."
Understanding the source's main argument is necessary to trace it to broader historical movements.
2
Connect the source to Progressive Era reforms.
Progressive reformers prioritized efficiency, scientific management, and regulatory oversight by federal agencies and experts rather than leaving resource management to unregulated corporations.
This links the specific text to the target historical concept.
3
Evaluate the options.
The option emphasizing professional expertise and federal planning aligns with the Progressive goal of regulatory reform and scientific management of natural resources.
Determining which option best represents the historical connection identified.

Key Concept

Progressive Era Conservation and Scientific Management
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Progressive Era Reforms and Influences

More questions from this topic