Enviromental Movement Launched

Rachel Carson's book, Silent Spring, was published in September 1962. By describing the effects of the use of pesticides and other chemical on the environment, Carson launched the environmental movement

In September 1962, Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson, was published. The author had previously written a number of article and books on the sea. In Silent Spring, Rachel Carson wrote: “For the first time in the history of the world, every human being is now subjected to contact with dangerous chemicals, from the moment of conception until death.” The book was a huge success and helped launch the modern Environmental Movement. President Kennedy was impressed with Carson's work, and created a special White House panel to investigate pesticides. Before long, a group of senators, led by Senator Muskie of Maine, pushed legislation through the Congress to establish national standards for water quality. This effectively began the nation's efforts to clean the country's water. At the same time the nations national park systems was expanded greatly to include non traditional sites such as sea shores and national battlefields."