Establishing National Parks in the Progressive Era

1. Establishing National Parks in the Progressive Era

2. The Push for Change The Progressive Movement (1890-1917): a multi-faceted reform movement that addressed a number of issues/social ills associated with industrialization and urban growth. The movement peaked in 1912. Public Parks/ City Beautiful Movement Food and Drug Reform Child Labor

3. Saving For Later Generations: Conversation and Preservation "Optimism is a good characteristic, but if carried to an excess, it becomes foolishness. We are prone to speak of the resources of this country as inexhaustible; this is not so.” Theodore Roosevelt. Seventh Annual Message to Congress, December 3, 1907 “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” John Muir, Our National Parks (1901)

4. Preservation and the American Antiquities Act of 1906 The Act allows presidents to proclaim national monuments without the approval of Congress in order to preserve prehistoric, historic and other properties. Theodore Roosevelt designated the Grand Canyon National Monument in 1908

5. Managing National Monuments Before the National Park Service was established, national parks and monuments were overseen by other federal agencies. • War Department • Dept. of the Interior’s General Land Office (GLO) • Grand Canyon was managed by the GLO 1897-1905 • In 1905, it was placed under the control of the United States Forest Service (USFS)

6. Grand Canyon Timeline • 1893- President Benjamin Harrison proclaims the Grand Canyon a National Forest and Game Preserve • 1908-President Theodore Roosevelt proclaims the Grand Canyon National Monument • 1916- National Park Service is • created • 1919- Congress establishes • Grand Canyon National Park