Civil Disobedience During The American Revolution

During the formation of a new nation, the government is founded upon one of four theories. The theory that most prominently influenced America's framers was the social contract theory, which can be described as a population in a state of nature giving up as much power to a government as needed to promote the wellbeing of all. To this end, the founding fathers endorsed Philosopher John Locke’s theory that since the government derives its power from its people, citizens are entitled to replace their government if their natural rights are violated. Therefore, during the American Revolution, American colonists were justified to utilize civil disobedience against British policies. Similarly, in modern times, citizens are still justified to practice their obligation explained in the Declaration of Independence that “whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation . . . as to them shall seem most likely to [affect]

In the 1950’s, Jim Crow still had a strong hold on Southern society, forcing segregation almost everywhere, even public transportation. In an act of civil disobedience, Ms. Parks refused her seat to a white passenger and was consequently arrested. Despite her arrest, her actions sparked further forms for peaceful protests in attempts to enforce Baron De Montesquieu’s concept of “all men are created equal” throughout the nation. African-Americans, at this time, did not feel their natural rights were being upheld, so they practiced civil disobedience to challenge and overturn the government's precedent of “separate but equal.” Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat was a simple action, but it was enough to ignite a community to support the Civil Rights Movement, which ultimately changed the way blacks experienced life in