Price of Permanence: Nature and Business in the New South

In his book "The Price of Permanence: The Environmental History of the New South," William D. Bryan challenges the notion that the post-Civil War South was solely driven by economic growth and resource consumption, highlighting the role of business leaders and public officials in promoting resource conservation for long-term economic growth. Bryan argues that the concept of permanence, which aimed to balance profit and environmental quality, was contested and shaped the modern South. He demonstrates how struggles over resource policy fueled Jim Crow and influenced the national conservation movement. The book sheds light on the complex relationship between economic development, environmental degradation, and social control and offers insights into sustainability challenges today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2020
Publisher: University of Georgia Press

William D. Bryan's book, The Price of Permanence, offers a fresh perspective on the post-Civil War South by portraying it as a battle over environmental stewardship. For decades, scholars have portrayed Southerners as driven solely by economic growth, relentlessly exploiting the region's abundant natural resources. However, Bryan reveals that business leaders and public officials recognized the importance of striking a balance between profit and environmental quality. They advocated for resource conservation strategies that they believed would ensure long-term economic prosperity. This concept, known as permanence, was a contested one, leading to clashes between different stakeholders as they sought innovative ways to utilize valuable resources.

The Price of Permanence delves into how these struggles shaped the modern South, highlighting the region's inclusion in the national conservation movement for the first time. Bryan demonstrates that business leaders played a significant role in shaping the ideals of American conservationists. The book also challenges the notion that Southerners had little concern for environmental quality, revealing that conservation served as a tool for social control among white elites. It sheds light on how conflicts over resource policy fueled the system of Jim Crow, which perpetuated environmental degradation and discrimination.

While the ideology of permanence aimed to protect certain resources, it did not prevent the overall degradation of the environment. The book draws valuable lessons from the New South and applies them to contemporary discussions on sustainability. It emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that considers economic growth, environmental protection, and social justice. By examining the history of the New South, we can gain insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our society as we strive for a more sustainable future.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780820358789