The essay that sprang from not only Thoreau's opposition to the war but his vocal stance against
slavery has come to be known, simply, as Civil Disobedience… and is arguably the most
influential work of the era.
“If… the machine of government… is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of
injustice to another,” Thoreau writes, “then, I say, break the law.”
This basic but profound principle has inspired and influenced activists for generations. Mohandas
K. Gandhi effectively utilized a version of civil disobedience in India's struggle for independence
against the British. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. channeled both Thoreau and Gandhi in his
leadership of a non-violent civil rights movement.
“I became convinced that non-cooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is
cooperation with good,” said King. “No other person has been more eloquent and passionate in
getting this idea across than Henry David Thoreau. As a result of his writings and personal
witness, we are the heirs of a legacy of creative protest.”
slavery has come to be known, simply, as Civil Disobedience… and is arguably the most
influential work of the era.
“If… the machine of government… is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of
injustice to another,” Thoreau writes, “then, I say, break the law.”
This basic but profound principle has inspired and influenced activists for generations. Mohandas
K. Gandhi effectively utilized a version of civil disobedience in India's struggle for independence
against the British. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. channeled both Thoreau and Gandhi in his
leadership of a non-violent civil rights movement.
“I became convinced that non-cooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is
cooperation with good,” said King. “No other person has been more eloquent and passionate in
getting this idea across than Henry David Thoreau. As a result of his writings and personal
witness, we are the heirs of a legacy of creative protest.”
TIMELINE:
1859 After leading a doomed but bloody slave rebellion, John Brown declares: “I am quite certain
that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood.”
that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood.”
1861 American Miners' Association (first national coal miners union) established.
January 1, 1863 Abraham Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation.
July 1863 New York City Draft Riots.
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