Final answer:
Americans in the 1700s and 1800s viewed wilderness as a valuable resource and believed in exploiting it for economic gain, reflecting cornucopian values. They saw it as a source of timber, minerals, and land for agriculture. The concept of progress and the belief in manifest destiny also influenced their perspective on wilderness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, cornucopian values can be seen in how Americans viewed wilderness in the 1700s and 1800s. Cornucopians believe that resources are infinite and that technological advancements can overcome any potential scarcity. This mindset can be seen in the way Americans viewed wilderness as a vast untapped resource that could be exploited for economic gain.
For example, during the 18th and 19th centuries, Americans saw wilderness as a source of valuable timber, minerals, and land for agriculture. The belief in manifest destiny fueled the idea that it was the divine right of Americans to use and develop the land. This perspective ultimately led to the colonization and transformation of vast wilderness areas across North America.
Another way in which cornucopian values were reflected in how Americans viewed wilderness is through the concept of progress. The idea that human civilization could continually improve through innovation and technology shaped the way Americans thought about wilderness. They believed that the wilderness could be tamed and developed into a thriving society, showcasing their progress as a nation.
Learn more about Americans' views on wilderness in the 1700s and 1800s