Which book did Henry David Thoreau write in 1849 that advocated for civil disobedience?

Study for the CLEP US History 1 Test. Immerse in flashcards and multiple choice questions, each complete with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Henry David Thoreau wrote "On the Duty of Civil Disobedience" in 1849, which emphasizes the moral imperative to resist unjust laws and government actions. This work arose from Thoreau's own experience being jailed for refusing to pay a poll tax that supported the Mexican-American War, which he viewed as an unjust conflict that extended slavery. In this essay, Thoreau argues that individuals should not allow governments to overrule or atrophy their consciences and that nonviolent resistance is a key means of promoting justice.

This text would profoundly influence future social movements and leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., as it encapsulates the idea that individuals have a responsibility to act against unjust governance in a principled manner. The other options listed are either unrelated to civil disobedience or are works by Thoreau from different contexts, making the choice of "On the Duty of Civil Disobedience" the accurate option in relation to the question asked.

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