Final answer:
The events that led to the environmental movement in the 1960s were the publication of works by authors like Leopold and Carson, the passing of the Clean Air Act, the establishment of Earth Day, and the support of President Nixon in creating a federal environmental agency.
Step-by-step explanation:
- In the 1940s and 1960s, authors like Aldo Leopold and Rachel Carson raised awareness about environmental issues and questioned our relationship with the natural world.
- Congress passed the Clean Air Act of 1963, which marked the first major victory for the environmental movement.
- In 1970, Earth Day was established as a day of learning and discussion about environmental issues, sparking grassroots programs across the nation.
- The success of the first Earth Day led to the passage of numerous environmental protection laws, and President Nixon supported environmental preservation by creating a federal agency.