National Park Service

Definition

The National Park Service is an agency of the United States federal government that manages and preserves the country's national parks, monuments, and other protected natural and cultural resources. It was established in 1916 to promote and regulate the use of these public lands for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The National Park Service manages over 400 national parks, monuments, historic sites, and other protected areas across the United States.
2. Some of the most famous national parks managed by the National Park Service include Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Glacier National Park.
3. The National Park Service is responsible for enforcing regulations, maintaining infrastructure, and providing visitor services within the national park system.
4. The National Park Service's mission is to 'preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.'
5. The National Park Service plays a crucial role in the conservation movement by protecting and preserving the country's natural and cultural heritage for public use and enjoyment.

Review Questions

• Explain the historical context and significance of the National Park Service's creation during the Progressivism era.
  • The National Park Service was established in 1916, during the Progressive Era, a period of social and political reform in the United States. The creation of the National Park Service was a key part of the broader conservation movement, which sought to protect the country's natural resources and landscapes from exploitation and destruction. The Organic Act that established the National Park Service reflected the Progressive Era's emphasis on using government power to promote the public good, by mandating the agency to 'conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.' This represented a significant shift from the previous laissez-faire approach to land management, and demonstrated the growing recognition of the importance of preserving the nation's natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of all citizens.
• Analyze the role of the National Park Service in shaping the policies and priorities of the Progressive administrations, particularly under President Theodore Roosevelt.
  • The National Park Service played a crucial role in advancing the conservation agenda of the Progressive administrations, particularly under President Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt, a staunch conservationist, used his executive power to establish numerous national monuments and parks, laying the foundation for the National Park Service. The agency's mission to protect and preserve the country's natural and cultural resources aligned with the Progressives' broader goals of addressing the negative consequences of industrialization and urbanization, and promoting the public good. The National Park Service's management of these protected areas, including the enforcement of regulations and the provision of visitor services, helped to popularize the idea of conservation and outdoor recreation, which became hallmarks of the Progressive Era. Additionally, the National Park Service's scientific and educational programs contributed to the Progressives' emphasis on using expertise and knowledge to inform policymaking and improve the lives of citizens.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the National Park Service on the environmental and cultural preservation efforts in the United States, particularly in the context of the Progressivism movement.
  • The National Park Service has had a profound and lasting impact on environmental and cultural preservation efforts in the United States, which can be traced back to the Progressivism movement. By establishing a comprehensive system of protected national parks, monuments, and historic sites, the National Park Service has ensured the conservation of some of the country's most iconic natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations. The agency's commitment to scientific research, public outreach, and environmental stewardship has helped to foster a greater appreciation for the value of preserving the nation's natural and cultural heritage. Moreover, the National Park Service's role in promoting outdoor recreation and environmental awareness has contributed to the broader goals of the Progressivism movement, which sought to address the negative consequences of industrialization and urbanization and improve the overall quality of life for all citizens. The enduring legacy of the National Park Service, as a product of the Progressivism era, continues to shape environmental and cultural preservation efforts in the United States to this day.

Related terms

National Park: A protected area of land designated by the federal government for its natural, historical, or cultural significance, managed by the National Park Service.

Organic Act: The legislation passed in 1916 that created the National Park Service and defined its mission to 'conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.'

Conservation Movement:

A social and political movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that advocated for the protection and preservation of the natural environment, which led to the creation of the National Park Service.