Rightful Heritage: Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Land of America by Douglas Brinkley

At the heart of Douglas Brinkley’s Rightful Heritage: Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Land of America is the story of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s tour of the United States and the resulting conservation movement he initiated. Brinkley’s book is an exploration of FDR’s conservation record, and its modern-day implications for our country.

The book begins with the momentous tour of the United States in 1932. FDR and his agents covered a staggering 14,000 miles in 2 months. During this trip, FDR identified key parks that deserved federal protection and support. He also used this trip as an opportunity to discuss conservation and environmental protection policy with local officials and residents. At the core of these ideas was the notion that Americans had a duty to protect and restore the land, so that future generations could enjoy it. By the end of the tour, FDR had identified 57 sites that he felt deserved federal protection.

Brinkley then go on to detail FDR’s conservation efforts once he was in the White House. While previous presidents had implemented measures to protect natural resources, FDR was the first to frame his conservation efforts as part of his overall program of economic and social justice. He was focused on the idea that citizens should have access to clean air, water, and soil. He also set in motion a massive reforestation effort, aimed at restoring wildlife and natural resources. His goal was to ensure a “rightful heritage” for future generations of Americans.

In spite of his conservation efforts, FDR’s record was far from perfect. For example, he allowed landowners to exploit rivers, remove topsoil, and install cattle fences. He also supported large dam projects like the Grand Coulee Dam and the Hoover Dam, which caused considerable environmental damage. Despite these missteps, however, FDR’s conservation policies remain influential to this day.

The final section of the book looks at our modern society and its relationship to the land. Brinkley argues that although our society has changed drastically, we must still remember FDR’s conservation legacy. He calls on the current generation of Americans to reconnect with the land and take action to protect its resources. He also encourages readers to recognize the interconnectedness of our social and natural ecosystems and to strive for a sustainable future.

Ultimately, Rightful Heritage: Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Land of America is an informative and inspiring book that encourages readers to honor FDR’s legacy of conservation and to work towards a more sustainable future. Brinkley’s book is an essential read for anyone interested in FDR’s crucial role in our conservation history, or for those looking for guidance on how to participate in environmentalism today.