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Civil Disobedience | Study Guide

Henry David Thoreau

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Civil Disobedience | Infographic

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Check out this Infographic to learn more about Henry David Thoreau's Civil Disobedience. Study visually with character maps, plot summaries, helpful context, and more.

civil-disobedience-henry-david-thoreauThoreauet your life be a counter friction to stop the machine.Sources: Encyclopaedia Britannica, The Oxford Historical Companionto Thoreau, The Thoreau ProjectCopyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc.Reform in MassachusettsThoreau’s town, Concord, was a hub of antislavery activism.Inspiration for ActivistsThoreau’s work influenced the tactics employed by Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.One Night in JailThoreau’s imprisonment lasted only one night.Important FactsCitizen’s DutyTrue patriots stand up for everyone’s rights, act according to their conscience, and accept responsibility for their actions.Law vs. ConscienceCitizens have the power to choose between obeying unjust laws and following an inner moral compass.State Abuse of PowerThe governing body enforces its laws through violence and abuse of human rights because its citizens do not actively challenge injustice.Main IdeasNature-loving Thoreau devoted himself to philosophy and to the abolition of slavery. He had few possessions, living off the land for two years at Walden Pond. His political writing denounced government violence and—in the case of “Civil Disobedience”—encouraged individual activism.HENRY DAVID THOREAU1817–62AuthorAn ideal society would be led by conscience and respectful of individual rights.A Better WayThoreau suggests breaking unjust laws in peaceful protest.Society’s SolutionCitizens passively condone and support violent government practices.Society’s ProblemOutraged that the United States allows slavery and has attacked Mexico to seize territory, writer Henry David Thoreau stops paying taxes. He’s taken to jail. “Civil Disobedience” is his response to arrest—a groundbreaking essay encouraging centuries of reformers to fight for change.When ShouldYou Breakthe Law?OVERVIEWEnglishOriginal Language1849Year PublishedHenry David ThoreauAuthorCivilDisobediencePhilosophyEssay
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