Peaceful resistance has been evident throughout history. It has played large roles in the foundation and development of many countries, the United States being a key example. The growth shown through peaceful movements that protest oppressive laws and views has been beneficial to society as a whole; led by the views and actions of people like Martin Luther King Jr., Henry David Thoreau, and Ghandi.

When a country claims to be free, certain natural liberties are implied. One can assume that they would have a certain degree of involvement in their government, and if they cannot speak out about what they might see as a corrupt ruling, one might begin to question the legitimacy behind the so called "freedom" that they are supposedly granted. Peaceful resistance allows a person's values and opinions to be heard in an orderly manner. When someone presents their views in a calm and respectful way, the opposing side will be more willing to listen to what they have to say. Growing up children are often told to treat others how they want to be treated. Acting out peacefully shows that you want to be treated with grace and respect too. This goes for the opposite as well. Acting out violently and irrationally would produce a harsh reaction from your counterpart. …show more content…
exemplify the positive effects that can come from peaceful disobedience. He was one of the figureheads of the Civil Rights Movements in the 1960's, encouraging others to fight with their words and not with their fists. He was inspired by the writings of Henry David Thoreau's Essay on Civil Disobedience. He was intrigued by the idea of refusing to be subdued by an evil system and thus ensued his pacifist