Communicating Environmental Patriotism: A Rhetorical History of the American Environmental Movement

by Anne Marie Todd

Overview

Environmental patriotism, the belief that the national environment defines a country’s greatness, is a significant strand in twentieth century American environmentalism. This book is the first to explore the history of environmental patriotism in America through the intriguing stories of environmental patriots and the rhetoric of their speeches and propaganda,

The See America First movement began in 1906 with the aim of protecting and promoting the landscapes of the American West. In 1908, Gifford Pinchot and President Theodore Roosevelt hosted the White House Conservation Conference to promote the wise use of natural resources for generations of Americans. In 1912, Pittsburgh’s smoke investigation condemned the effects of coal smoke on the city’s environment. In World War II, a massive propaganda effort mobilized millions of Americans to plant victory gardens to save resources for the war abroad. While these may not seem like crucial moments for the American environmental movement, this new history of American environmentalism shows that they are linked by patriotism.

The book offers a provoking critique of environmentalists’ communication strategies and suggests patriotism as a persuasive hook for new ways to make environmental issues a national priority. This original research should be of interest to scholars of environmental communication, environmental history, American history and environmental philosophy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415828093
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/07/2013
Series:	Routledge Explorations in Environmental Studies
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Anne Marie Todd is Professor of Communication Studies at San José State University, USA.

Table of Contents

1.Introduction 2.See America First and Aesthetic Patriotism 3.Early Conservationists and New Patriotism 4.Smoke Abatement and Civic Patriotism 5.World War II Conservation and Wartime Patriotism 6.The Decline of Environmental Patriotism in America 7.Conclusions

Editorial Reviews

"In Todd’s gracefully written book, environmental communicators will find a wealth of engaging material; they will be cheered by the early twentieth-century views they hear in its pages." - Environmental Communication, Michael Svoboda, The George Washington University, USA

From the Publisher