Civil disobedience

Civil disobedience is a form of protest in which people deliberately and publicly violate laws considered to be unjust. Civil disobedience is often nonviolent and is a key tactic in many movements for social change.

History

The concept of civil disobedience has a long history, dating back to ancient times. The term itself was coined by American author Henry David Thoreau in his 1849 essay, "Civil Disobedience". Thoreau argued that individuals have a moral duty to resist unjust laws and that this resistance should take the form of peaceful, nonviolent action.

Types of Civil Disobedience

There are several types of civil disobedience, including direct and indirect civil disobedience. Direct civil disobedience involves openly breaking the law, while indirect civil disobedience involves finding ways to undermine or challenge the law without directly violating it.

Notable Examples

There have been many notable examples of civil disobedience throughout history. Some of the most famous include the Salt March led by Mahatma Gandhi in India, the Montgomery Bus Boycott during the American Civil Rights Movement, and the Tiananmen Square protests in China.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

While civil disobedience is often seen as a moral and ethical act, it can also have legal consequences. Those who engage in civil disobedience are often prepared to face arrest or other legal penalties for their actions.

See Also

• Nonviolent resistance
• Protest
• Social change

References

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Civil disobedience

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  Henry David Thoreau

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  Police officer speaking to demonstrator during civil disobedience action