Which movement focused on the conservation of natural resources in the early 20th century?

The Progressive Movement, which emerged in the early 20th century, was a significant socio-political reform effort that aimed to address various issues of industrialization and urbanization. Among its many focuses was the conservation of natural resources. Leading figures of the Progressive Movement, such as President Theodore Roosevelt, recognized the importance of the nation's natural resources and the need to manage them sustainably. This included initiatives to protect forests, regulate water usage, and preserve national parks.

The movement not only highlighted the necessity of conserving natural landscapes but also advocated for the responsible use of natural resources to ensure that future generations could benefit from them. Through legislation and the establishment of national parks and wildlife refuges, the Progressive Movement laid the groundwork for the modern conservationist approach adopted in the 20th century and beyond.

In contrast, the other movements mentioned—The New Deal focused on economic recovery and social welfare during the Great Depression, the Labor Movement emphasized workers' rights and fair labor practices, and the Civil Rights Movement aimed at ending racial segregation and discrimination—did not specifically prioritize the conservation of natural resources as a central tenet.