ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -In 1846, the United States declared war against Mexico . Thoreau and other Northern critics of the war viewed it as a plot by Southerners to expand slavery into the Southwest. Thoreau had already stopped paying his taxes in protest against slavery.

Detailed explanation-2: -In 1846 the United States declared war against Mexico, leading to the Mexican-American War (1846–48). Thoreau saw this conflict as an unnecessary, imperialistic act of aggression with the sole purpose of spreading slavery to the North American southwest.

Detailed explanation-3: -How is Thoreau’s view of the war with Mexico, expressed in the selection from “Civil Disobedience, ” best described? In the selection from “Civil Disobedience, ” how does Thoreau support his view that the government is abused by powerful individuals? He cites the example of a current and unpopular war.

Detailed explanation-4: -Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience espouses the need to prioritize one’s conscience over the dictates of laws. It criticizes American social institutions and policies, most prominently slavery and the Mexican-American War.

Detailed explanation-5: -What was his position on the Mexican War? Why does he feel this way? He did not support the war because he feels that people have chosen to execute their will instead of their conscience. Who does Thoreau hold responsible for the accomplishments of America?