Cadillac Desert by Marc Reisner
- 1. Cadillac Desert by Marc Reisner is a seminal work of environmental history and an incisive critique of America's water management policies, particularly in the arid regions of the western United States. The book, first published in 1986, explores the complex interplay between ambitious water projects, federal development policies, and the ecological consequences of the pursuit of prosperity through vast irrigation systems. Reisner meticulously chronicles the history of water projects, from the early days of the Bureau of Reclamation to the controversial construction of massive dams, illustrating how these endeavors were often driven by a combination of idealism and greed. He rises to deconstruct the myth of water abundance in the desert, revealing the profound environmental impacts and social injustices that accompanied these large-scale initiatives. Through compelling storytelling and rigorous research, Reisner argues that the relentless quest to transform arid lands into fertile zones often leads to unsustainable practices and an ongoing struggle for resource allocation among various stakeholders. His insightful analysis is not only a historical account but also a cautionary tale about the inherent risks of over-engineering nature, making 'Cadillac Desert' a critical text for understanding contemporary water issues, environmental policy, and the consequences of human intervention in ecosystems.
What is the primary subject of 'Cadillac Desert'?
A) The California Gold Rush
B) Desert wildlife and ecosystems
C) The history of the Cadillac automobile
D) Water resources and politics in the American West
- 2. What major California river is dammed to create the Hetch Hetchy reservoir?
A) The Sacramento River
B) The Tuolumne River
C) The Owens River
D) The Colorado River
- 3. What is the name of the famous dam on the Colorado River discussed in the book?
A) Grand Coulee Dam
B) Shasta Dam
C) Hoover Dam
D) Glen Canyon Dam
- 4. According to Reisner, what is a major long-term problem with irrigated agriculture in the West?
A) Overpopulation of pollinators
B) Too much rainfall
C) Lack of fertilizer
D) Soil salinization
- 5. The book suggests that the true cost of water in the West is kept artificially what?
A) Low
B) Volatile
C) High
D) Transparent
- 6. What major ecological region has been significantly damaged by water diversion from the Colorado River?
A) The Mojave Desert
B) The Sierra Nevada
C) The Great Basin
D) The Colorado River Delta
- 7. What is a common consequence of overdrawing groundwater, as described in the book?
A) Land subsidence
B) Earthquake increase
C) Volcanic activity
D) Desert flowering
- 8. What state, besides California, is a major focus of the book's critique on water use?
A) Utah
B) Arizona
C) Texas
D) Nevada
|