World War Bombing
During the first half of the 20th century, world wars distracted from the environmental movement. The war effort was the focus at the time. Rather than environmental conservation, ads and posters encouraged food and supply rations. Meanwhile, the general attention on the environment made a large turn, and as a result, the land suffered from bombings, hazardous gases, and trench-making. Conversation surrounding the environment was practically non-existent. Although the world wars weren’t fought on American soil (with the exception of Pearl Harbor), the United States contributed to the destruction of natural resources. The picture above was taken on the shore of Butaritari Island in the North Pacific Ocean after American bombing runs.
Destroyed buildings and wharf on Butaritari Island from American bombing.
National Archives, www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2013/summer/
diary.html. Accessed 9 Jan. 2018.
National Archives, www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2013/summer/
diary.html. Accessed 9 Jan. 2018.