Nature

Definition

Nature refers to the physical world and all the living organisms and ecosystems within it. In the context of American culture, it encompasses how people perceive, interact with, and are influenced by their natural environment. This relationship has shaped artistic expression, philosophical thought, and social movements throughout American history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Romantic movement in literature and art celebrated nature as a source of inspiration, reflecting a desire to escape industrial society.
2. Transcendentalists like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau emphasized personal connection to nature as a means of understanding oneself and achieving spiritual growth.
3. Nature has been a central theme in American literature, influencing works from the writings of Walt Whitman to the environmental narratives of John Muir.
4. The concept of 'manifest destiny' intertwined with views of nature, as settlers believed they were destined to expand across North America, often disregarding indigenous lands and cultures.
5. The rise of conservation movements in the late 1800s highlighted a growing awareness of environmental issues, leading to national parks and preservation efforts that are foundational to modern environmentalism.

Review Questions

• How did Romanticism influence American literature's portrayal of nature?
  • Romanticism had a profound impact on American literature by encouraging writers to depict nature not just as a backdrop but as a character in its own right. Authors like Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman celebrated the beauty and complexity of the natural world, using it to explore themes of identity, spirituality, and emotion. This movement fostered a deep appreciation for nature that resonated with readers, promoting a sense of connection between humanity and the environment.
• Evaluate how Transcendentalism reshaped American views on individuality and nature.
  • Transcendentalism reshaped American views by promoting the idea that true understanding comes from an individual's connection with nature rather than societal norms. Thinkers like Emerson and Thoreau argued that individuals should seek personal truths through direct experience with the natural world. This philosophy encouraged self-reliance and introspection while advocating for a harmonious relationship with nature, influencing various social reform movements throughout America.
• Analyze the implications of the conservation movement on American policies regarding land use and environmental protection.
  • The conservation movement significantly impacted American policies by shifting attitudes toward land use from exploitation to preservation. Advocates like John Muir and Gifford Pinchot pushed for sustainable practices that recognized the importance of protecting natural resources. This led to the establishment of national parks and forest reserves, fundamentally changing how Americans interact with their environment. The movement's legacy continues today as environmental issues remain at the forefront of political discourse.

Related terms

Transcendentalism:

A philosophical movement that emerged in the early 19th century, emphasizing the inherent goodness of people and nature, advocating for self-reliance, and finding spiritual truth in the natural world.

Romanticism:

An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature, often as a reaction against industrialization and rationalism.

Conservation:

A social and political movement focused on the preservation and sustainable management of natural resources, which gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.