have paid no poll tax in six years. I was put into a jail once on this account, for one night.
How did Thoreau justify this act of civil disobedience?
He disagreed with increasing taxes for the lower classes
He disapproved of the increasing taxes to fund mainly urban areas
Thoreau justified this act of civil disobedience based on his principles of individual freedom, resistance to unjust laws, and criticism of government actions. While he did not explicitly mention his views on increasing taxes for lower classes or funding urban areas as the sole justifications for his actions, his overall stance on government interference and unjust laws can provide some insight into his reasoning.
Thoreau believed in the importance of individual autonomy and self-reliance. He argued that individuals should not be compelled to financially support a government that engaged in actions they found immoral or unjust. By refusing to pay the poll tax, Thoreau was expressing his opposition to what he considered a corrupt government system that did not prioritize the welfare of its citizens.
Additionally, Thoreau had a deep skepticism towards the increasing power and influence of government over people's lives. He believed that government, particularly in urban areas, often imposed its will on individuals without due consideration for their rights or beliefs. Therefore, he may have viewed the poll tax as an extension of government overreach and an imposition of control.
Ultimately, Thoreau's act of civil disobedience was an expression of his refusal to comply with what he perceived as an unjust law, rooted in his principles of individual liberty and his criticism of an overreaching government.