In human history, people have used civil disobedience as a way of expressing their throughts or feelings on a law they feel is unjust. Also, civil disobedience has lead to positive changes in American society, including the formation of our federal government and a more equal treatment of racial minorities. One important change that came from civil disobedience in American society is the beginning of our federal government. Thomas Jefferson, who is best known as one of the founding fathers, thought that citizens should be allowed to voice their opinions on laws. For example, he wrote the Kentucky Resolutions, which stated that the state of Kentucky would nullify federal laws they disagree with and secede from the country if their …show more content…
From the late 1950s to the early 1970s, the Civil Rights movement shocked the nation and it was a time where the country was going through many changes. One prominent figure in the movement was Dr. Martin Luther King, who advocated for desegregation in the South and the fair treatment of all people regardless of race or skin color. In his famous literal work, "Letter From Birmingham Jail", he explains how he has the right to protest in Birmingham, as Blacks were being hosed down and assualted by police dogs: "I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny." King wants leaders in Birmingham to acknowledge the wrong that is being done to Blacks and let them know that he is not fearful to confront the issue. Furthermore, King mentions how the leaders of the churches at Alabama promised that they would support the demonstrations, but have not upheld their statement: "As the weeks and months went by, we realized that we were the victims of a broken promise. A few signs, briefly removed, returned; the others remained." King is disappointed that the leaders did not want to participate in the nonviolent protests in Birmingham. Also, King alludes to how Blacks in American history were always promised change, but denied it because their problems were seen as insignificant and he is tired of being told to wait for change to come when the worst is occurring. Another major figure in the Civil Rights movement was Rosa Parks. On December 1st, 1955, Parks was sitting in a seat just behind the Whites Only section and refused to give up her seat when a bus driver ordered her to get up. As a result, she was arrested and this sparked a bus