The ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES (1968-1980) [APUSH Review Unit 8 Topic 13] Period 8: 1845-1980

Summary

In this video, the host explores the development and transformation of U.S. environmental policies between 1968 and 1980. The discussion covers the impact of the 1973 OPEC oil embargo and the resulting shift in energy policy, including the controversial push for nuclear energy. The video highlights key events such as the Three Mile Island incident and the rise of the environmental movement, spurred by works like Rachel Carson's *Silent Spring* and the first Earth Day. The creation of the EPA and policies like the Clean Air Act reflect the nation’s growing commitment to environmental protection during this period.

Takeaways

• 😀 The U.S. heavily relied on Middle Eastern oil in the 1960s and 1970s, which led to strained relations with oil-producing countries.
• 🌍 The creation of Israel in 1948 and U.S. support for it fueled tensions with Arab nations, impacting oil trade dynamics.
• ⛽ In 1973, OPEC imposed an oil embargo on the U.S., leading to skyrocketing fuel prices and widespread shortages.
• ⚡ The oil crisis of 1973 prompted the U.S. to reconsider its energy policies and look for alternative energy sources.
• 🔋 Nuclear energy was considered a potential alternative, as it was efficient and did not produce greenhouse gases like fossil fuels.
• 🔥 The 1979 Three Mile Island incident, where a nuclear reactor partially melted down, raised serious concerns about nuclear safety in the U.S.
• 📚 Rachel Carson's 1962 book *Silent Spring* played a key role in igniting the environmental movement by highlighting the dangers of pesticides like DDT.
• 🌎 The first Earth Day in 1970 became a national event, raising awareness about pollution and environmental degradation across the U.S.
• 🏞️ The creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970 was a direct response to growing public demand for environmental protection.
• 🌬️ The Clean Air Act of 1963 was an important piece of legislation aimed at controlling air pollution, with the EPA overseeing its enforcement after its establishment.

Q & A

What event in 1973 led to a major shift in US energy policy?

In 1973, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reduced oil exports to the United States and raised prices, leading to fuel shortages and a realization that the US was too dependent on foreign oil from volatile Middle Eastern countries.

How did the creation of Israel in 1948 contribute to tensions between the US and Middle Eastern oil-producing countries?

The creation of Israel in 1948 caused significant tension, as Arab nations in the Middle East opposed the establishment of Israel, while the US remained a strong ally of Israel, worsening relations with oil-producing Arab countries.

What was the Three Mile Island incident and why did it impact US energy policy?

The Three Mile Island incident occurred in 1979, when a nuclear reactor partially melted down in Pennsylvania, releasing radioactive waste. While the environmental harm was disputed, it sparked widespread fear and contributed to a shift away from nuclear energy as a major source of US power.

What role did Rachel Carson's book *Silent Spring* play in the environmental movement?

*Silent Spring* (1962) by Rachel Carson was instrumental in raising awareness about the dangers of pesticides like DDT and the broader environmental degradation caused by modern industrial practices, helping to fuel the growing environmental movement.

What was the significance of the first Earth Day in 1970?

The first Earth Day in 1970 was a key event in raising public awareness about environmental issues. It helped galvanize the environmental movement, drawing attention to the dangers of pollution, resource depletion, and nuclear energy.

What was the purpose of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), created in 1970?

The EPA was created to oversee pollution control programs, regulate industries that contributed to environmental degradation, and address the growing concerns about pollution in the United States, particularly air and water quality.

What major environmental disaster occurred in 1969 that highlighted the need for stronger environmental policies?

In 1969, the Cuyahoga River in Ohio caught fire due to pollution from nearby factories. This incident drew national attention to the severe environmental degradation occurring in the country, contributing to public demand for stronger environmental protections.

How did the Clean Air Act of 1963 contribute to environmental policy in the US?

The Clean Air Act of 1963 aimed to control air pollution on a national scale. It was a foundational law that laid the groundwork for more extensive environmental regulation, later overseen by the EPA after its creation in 1970.

What were some of the key reasons behind the US's push for alternative energy sources in the 1970s?

The US's dependence on foreign oil, especially from politically unstable regions like the Middle East, led to rising fuel prices and shortages. This pushed policymakers to explore alternative energy sources, including nuclear power, though this was later complicated by the Three Mile Island incident.

What impact did the Three Mile Island nuclear accident have on public perception of nuclear energy?

The Three Mile Island accident significantly damaged public trust in nuclear energy. Despite limited evidence of harm, the incident, along with global concerns about nuclear safety, contributed to growing opposition to nuclear power in the United States.