Thoreau chose not to pay the poll tax because he disagreed with it, viewing it as a symbol of government injustice. His act of civil disobedience was a protest against immoral laws, notably regarding slavery and war. This stance demonstrated his belief in the individual's right to resist unethical government actions. ;
Thoreau chose not to pay the poll tax because he disagreed with it, viewing it as a symbol of governmental injustice linked to slavery and war. He believed in active resistance against immoral laws, exemplifying the principle of civil disobedience. This decision was a powerful statement of his commitment to ethical governance.
;