Progressive Movement Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive Test Prep

The advocacy for the establishment of national parks is closely associated with John Muir, who was a prominent naturalist, author, and an early environmentalist. Muir's passion for preserving the natural beauty of the American wilderness played a significant role in the creation of several national parks. He was instrumental in the establishment of Yosemite National Park and co-founded the Sierra Club, which aimed to protect and promote the conservation of natural landscapes.

Muir's writings and activism elevated public awareness about the importance of protecting wild spaces, effectively influencing both public opinion and lawmakers regarding conservation efforts. His philosophy emphasized the intrinsic value of nature and the need to safeguard it for future generations, cementing his legacy as a key figure in the movement to establish national parks in the United States.

While Theodore Roosevelt, Gifford Pinchot, and others contributed to conservation efforts and the establishment of protected areas, it is Muir's direct advocacy for national parks and his inspirational role in the conservation movement that aligns most closely with the question.