"Only within the moment of time represented by the present century has one species—man—acquired significant power to alter the nature of his world. ... The most alarming of all man’s assaults upon the environment is the contamination of air, earth, rivers, and sea with dangerous and even lethal materials."
— Rachel Carson, *Silent Spring*, 1962
The arguments expressed in the excerpt most directly contributed to which of the following?
- The growth of a public movement advocating for federal protection of the environmentAnswer
- BThe creation of federal welfare and anti-poverty programs under the Great Society
- CThe adoption of supply-side economic policies that reduced regulations on manufacturing
- DThe execution of containment policies to secure natural resources in foreign territories
Answer
The growth of a public movement advocating for federal protection of the environment
The correct answer is correct because Rachel Carson's 1962 book Silent Spring brought national attention to the ecological hazards of chemical pesticides like DDT. This publication is historically recognized as a major catalyst for the modern environmental movement, which mobilized public support and eventually pressured the federal government to establish the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and enact landmark legislation such as the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The modern environmental movement arose in the 1960s and 1970s, spurred by public concerns over pollution and industrial damage, leading to significant federal environmental legislation.