Nature of the Miracle Years: Conservation in West Germany, 1945-1975

Chaney (history, Erskine College, Due West, South Carolina) examines environmental conservation after Germany was divided and West Germany experienced increased industrialization, urbanization, and prosperity. Focusing on the conservation developments after the collapse of National Socialism and before the emergence of the ecology movement and the Green Party, the text demonstrates how a predominantly conservative, often nationalistic cause gradually became associated more clearly with the political left and the international movement to protect the global environment, though without losing its traditional base of support among social conservatives and without completely abandoning its critique of modern civilization. The first book-length account in English to focus exclusively on the thought, goals, and day-to-day activities of German conservationists during the critical years between 1945 and 1975, Chaney's text will be of interest to students, scholars, environmental activists and policy makers. Annotation c2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Sandra Chaney is Professor of History at Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina, where she teaches courses in European and women’s history and contemporary global issues.