Karl Jacoby Chapter Summary

Karl Jacoby used this book to present very important and often overlooked information. He discussed how many historians have only based their views off of conservationists that lived away from nature and did not focus on the views of the common person that had these forests right outside their doors. He discusses the different points involved with the change from no rules regarding to nature to complete conservation of nature. By using the more unknown points of view he is able to enlighten people further than what they expected which could change their views to either side. To give further information he includes different charts from the census and maps of each area. No one can make a truly informed decision without first knowing all sides of the story. Jacoby presents this information chronologically to easier show the developments of the mindsets at the time. In the first part of the book he discusses the first conservation attempt that took place in the Adirondack Mountains in North New York. Historians in this portion of the book pointed out specific historical events that lead to the need for conservational laws. He pointed out that the reason why the Mediterranean basin should not be the way it was. It should not be barren. It is only that way due to man cutting down the necessary plant and animal life that was there for their own selfish gain. People began to listen to these explanations and found their own reasons to conserve the land. The forest was found to be an antidote for city life. …show more content…
Historians are able to look at facts from both sides of the story and decide. The locals have been dealing with the forest for years and have developed their moral codes on how to deal with it but there also needs to be state control due to growths in the economy and tourism. People can become greedy and choose to take more than needed which can created a downward