Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Thoreau and Civil Disobedience
Thoreau is remembered for his simple life and passion in his proclamation on "civil disobedience." A brief biographical article highlighting his life and political enthusiasm during the era of Transcendentalism.
Eserver
E Server: The Thoreau Reader: "Civil Disobedience" by Thoreau
This site provides the full text of Thoreau's essay, "Civil Disobedience," in three parts. Content also includes a brief background as to how Thoreau wrote this essay and links to related sites.
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: American Transcendentalism: Civil Disobedience
This lesson from a unit on American Transcendentalism focuses on civil disobedience using "Essay on Civil Disobedience" by Henry David Thoreau and "Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King Jr. Links are provided to each of the...
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: America in Class: Thoreau's Critique of Democracy in "Civil Disobedience"
National Humanities Center lesson explores the criticisms Thoreau makes about a representative democracy form of government. Lesson includes interactive assignments, teacher notes, strategies for Close reading, follow-up and vocabulary.
Eserver
E Server: The Thoreau Reader: "Civil Disobedience" Part 1 of 3
This is the annotated text of Part 1 of "Civil Disobedience," an essay by Henry David Thoreau. The essay, written in 1849, is about following your conscience.
Other
Mass Humanities: Mass Moments: Henry David Thoreau Spends Night in Jail
July 23, 1846 Henry David Thoreau is arrested and jailed for civil disobedience against the Massachusetts Poll Tax. Take a look at the events of that day as well as the life and legacy of Thoreau.
CommonLit
Common Lit: Excerpt From "Civil Disobedience"
A learning module that begins with Henry David Thoreau's "Excerpt from 'Civil Disobedience'" accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. The text can be printed as a PDF or assigned online...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Henry David Thoreau: Author, Philosopher, and Abolitionist
By watching a short video and engaging in two primary source activities, students will explore the philosophy, writings, and impact of Henry David Thoreau.
Other
History of Massachusetts: Henry Thoreau Arrested for Nonpayment of Poll Tax
Henry Thoreau left a legacy for people to listen to and defend their consciences. He felt strongly against taxes and avoided as many as possible, but could not escape the poll tax. This is a concise publication identifying Thoreau's...
Other
Basic Readings in u.s. Democracy: Henry David Thoreau
This website provides historical background to the political events of the time Thoreau wrote "Civil Disobedience." It also includes background information about Thoreau and the text of Thoreau's essay.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Louisa May Alcott: Transcendentalism
Explore the impact of transcendentalism on the life of Louisa May Alcott and American society in this video [4:00] from the American Masters film Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind 'Little Women.' Emphasizing self-reliance, civil...
Eserver
E Server: The Thoreau Reader: What Did Henry Look Like?
Two online photos of Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862 CE). Also provides commentary and quotes on the man's physical nature and appearance.
Famous Scientists
Famous Scientists: Henry David Thoreau
This article reviews the life and accomplishments of Henry David Thoreau.
Eserver
E Server: The Thoreau Reader: Annotated Works of Henry David Thoreau
This website provides an introduction to and the the text of some of Thoreau's most famous works.
My Hero Project
My Hero: Henry David Thoreau
This brief article on writer Henry David Thoreau, the author of "Civil Disobedience," includes quotes and "related links" for further reading.
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Henry Thoreau
A nice biography on Henry David Thoreau's life, centering mostly on his literary skills.
Eserver
E Server: The Thoreau Reader: Thoreau Chronology
This resource offers a detailed chronology of Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862 CE). Give information on his life, writings, and lectures.
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: Freedom: A History of Us: We Shall Overcome: A Party on Potus [Pdf]
A lesson plan from the producers of the 16-episode PBS series "Freedom: A History of US" that directs students in a role-playing dramatization involving past presidents of the United States and activists Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Henry...
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau (born David Henry Thoreau; July 12, 1817 - May 6, 1862) was an American author, naturalist, transcendentalist, tax resister, development critic, sage writer and philosopher. He is best known for his book Walden, a...
Texas A&M University
American Transcendentalism Web
A scholarly site with many articles about American transcendental authors, their work, and philosophy.
Digital History
Digital History: War Fever and Antiwar Protests
What started out as a prowar inclination of American citizens at the beginning of the Mexican War soon deteriorated. Read about the opposition of politicians, clergymen, and intellectuals to the reasoning for the war, and later for the...