Final answer:
The view of forests has evolved from a resource for expansion and consumption in the 1700s to a critical element of biodiversity and climate regulation today, with environmental activism and conservation efforts gaining prominence in recent decades.
Step-by-step explanation:
Change in Forestry Views from the 1700s to Present
The perception and management of forests have transformed significantly from the 1700s to the current day. In the 1700s, European colonists in New England, influenced by their European ideas, altered the landscape greatly by clearing forests to create wood-built and wood-burning homesteads. This period saw the removal of many old-growth trees, substantially modifying the natural ecosystems.
As the Industrial Revolution ensued, Europe experienced rampant deforestation to facilitate expansion and industrial needs, with areas like the British Isles losing a large proportion of their forests. The United States too saw a major cutover in the eastern and central forests as it developed and expanded westward, driven by the need for timber used in construction and the railroad expansion.
In the 19th century, a shift occurred; wilderness began to be seen as valuable, with figures like John Muir advocating for the preservation of nature. By the 20th century, environmental concerns influenced a change in attitudes toward deforestation, recognizing the importance of forests for biodiversity and global climate regulation. This led to conservation efforts and a rise in environmental activism, notably in the 1980s and 1990s with movements like Save the Rainforest.
Today, though deforestation continues, there is a stronger global conscience regarding the preservation of forests, as evidenced by international projects and agreements aimed at reducing forest loss and promoting reforestation efforts to combat climate change.